Cudlin to ride at Motegi MotoGP round

Capirossi, who is retiring from full time motorcycle racing at the end of this season, was keen to ride, but the damage to his shoulder would have made a full race impossible for the Italian veteran.

Capirossi's regualr Pramac Ducati team mate, Randy De Puniet, is ready to take on the Motegi track, where he has posted two podium finishes in the past: a third place in 250cc and a second place in MotoGP.

Damian Cudlin:
"It's hard to put into words what this opportunity means to me. I've dreamed about starting in MotoGP since I was a boy, and until now it's been just that-a dream. 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."

Fabiano Sterlacchini - Technical Director Pramac Racing:
"Motegi is a fairly complex track with its many stop and go sections that will certainly demand a change to the bike's setup. Randy has done well here in the past, so we expect a good showing from our Frenchman. Meanwhile, it will be a good opportunity for Damian Cudlin to showcase his talents. He's a good guy and we had the opportunity to get to know him a little last year in Moto2, where he raced at the Sachsenring GP."