Australian rider Damian Cudlin will make his MotoGP debut at the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi this weekend.
The 29-year-old will join the Pramac Ducati team in place of Italian veteran Loris Capirossi, who dislocated his shoulder for a second time in his career at the recent Aragon round.
Cudlin is a verteran of the Endurance World Championship and has just one Grand Prix start to his name, after riding in last year’s Moto2 event in Germany.
“I’ve dreamed about starting in MotoGP since I was a boy, and until now it’s been just that – a dream,” said Cudlin.
“Now it’s become a reality and to be honest, I’m still in shock!”
“I’m under no illusions about how difficult this race will be. I’ve never ridden a real MotoGP bike before and I’ve never been to Motegi either, so realistically my expectations can’t be too high.”
“I just want to do the best job I can, enjoy the experience, and just see what happens. I’ve really got nothing to lose, so why not?”
“I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve this. I still can’t believe I’ll be replacing Loris Capirossi – I had posters of him on my wall as a kid!”
“I just want to thank Sito Pons for recommending me, the Pramac Racing Team for giving me a chance, and also my current BMW Team for allowing me to use this opportunity.
“I hope I can make everyone proud that they took a chance with a guy like me.”
