German-based Australian Damian Cudlin will make a return to the MotoGP World Championship as part of the fall-out from Ben Spies’ ongoing injuries.
The 30-year-old Cudlin will ride Paul Bird Motorsport’s CRT bike previously campaigned by Michael Laverty.
Laverty will in turn switch to PBM’s ART chassis that was recently vacated by Yonny Hernandez, who has left PBM for Pramac Ducati to replace Spies.
Cudlin’s ride has been confirmed for this weekend’s round at Aragon and October’s Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island.
Cudlin made three MotoGP starts across the 2010 and 2011 seasons as a substitute rider for the Pons, Pramac and Aspar squads.
Having made two Moto2 appearances last year, Cudlin has this season been competing in Germany’s IDM Superbike championship, where he runs second in points.
“With his experience and knowledge, we hope to continue the development of our bike and have a positive weekend together,” said PBM technical director Phil Borley of Cudlin.
“Unfortunately, we will not have the chance to test before the race and so the first sessions will be important for Damian to acclimatise to the bike, the Bridgestone tyres and carbon brakes.
“Our target will be to improve Damian’s feeling in each session and give him a bike he is confident to race.”
Cudlin will be the second Australian to start a MotoGP event this season with Bryan Staring competing full-time on Gresini’s CRT entry.
