Australian rider Damien Cudlin has been called up for MotoGP duty for the second consecutive round in 2011, and will race for the Mapfre Aspar Team at his home race in Phillip Island from October 14-16.
Cudlin will replace Hector Barbera after the Spaniard broke his collarbone in the Japanese GP.
"To get the call up the first time to replace Loris was a big enough shock, but to get another start in MotoGP for another team at the very next race is just unbelievable to me," Cudlin explained. "You wait your whole life to get a shot at MotoGP and then suddenly two come along at once. If I’m dreaming, don’t wake me up!"
Though Cudlin crashed out of the Japanese GP (as did half the field), he put in a strong showing before his front tyre gave out. For the record, Cudlin had never ridden the bike before, nor competed at Motegi, showing that he has what it takes to race in the world's premier motorcycle road racing category.
"Obviously in Motegi I had a lot to learn in a short space of time which made things a bit tougher for me, but at least at Phillip Island I’ll know which way the track goes."
The Mapfre Aspar bike has been a very competitive bike for Barbera in recent races and Cudlin will be keen to put in a good performance in front of his home crowd.
According to our research, the last time 28-year-old Cudlin raced at Phillip Island was in the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship in 2004.
"I haven’t actually ridden there for a long time, but I’ve got a good memory and to ride a MotoGP bike around there should be unreal. I think a lot of my family and friends; probably half of Taree will be coming down to cheer me on, so I’ll definitely have plenty of support. I can’t wait."
Cudlin is expected to arrive in Australia on Wednesday, to begin preparations for his first time on the Mapfre Aspar Ducati at Friday practice.
"I must thank the Mapfre Aspar Team for giving me this opportunity to race at home," added Cudlin. "It should be a great experience and I just want to enjoy every minute of it. I also want to thank everyone who’s sent me messages of support in the last couple of weeks. It’s blown me away and I hope to make everyone proud at Phillip Island."
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