Cudlin MotoGP deal extended

The initial deal for Cudlin to ride the ART-framed CRT bike for the Aragon (where Cudlin retired with a mechanical fault) and Phillip Island has been extended to include both this weekend's Sepang round, and the Motegi, Japan, round after Phillip Island.

Consequently, the RAC (Racing Against Cancer) BMW Team have agreed to release Cudlin from his IDM Superbike Championship contract in order to allow him to race at the next three MotoGP events on successive weekends, starting with the Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix this weekend.

British rider Michael Laverty, who has campaigned the CRT-specification PBM machine all season, will continue aboard the Aprilia ART bike for the remainder of 2013.

Paul Bird Motorsport Technical Director Phil Borley stated: "PBM would like to thank the RAC Racing BMW Team for allowing Damian to race for us in the Malaysian GP and we now look forward to working with him for the three long haul races and continue the progress we were making during the sessions at Aragon."