Aussie Damian Cudlin took 4 hard earned World Championship points away from the Suzuka 8 hour in Japan on the weekend, finishing an unlucky 13^th aboard the Phase One Yamaha.

In one of the hottest 8 hours on record, the Phase One Yamaha squad comprising of Cudlin alongside German Rico Penzkofer and Brit Scott Smart, raced into the top 10 by the halfway stage, putting in a gritty performance which left a lot of Japanese Factory Supported teams trailing.

Leading the charge of the Phase One team, Cudlin put in 2 impressive stints before a dramatic thunderstorm lashed part of the circuit with water. Using his Endurance experience and calm head, Cudlin watched as carnage played out all around him. In a difficult position, team manager Russell Benney made the safe decision to pull Cudlin in for wet tyres, however as the rain clouds quickly blew over, the track dried dramatically and Cudlin was forced to pit again for slicks soon after. The extra stops cost the team dearly in the final results, finishing 13^th and losing the chance of an 8^th place finish.

“It was a real shame we lost so much time when the storm blew in, but it was a hard call to make, and although in hindsight we know now it was the wrong one, I know Russell was looking out for my safety and insuring a finishing result for the team. It could have easily gone the other way.” Cudlin explained.

“That said, I’m still really pleased with my performance here this weekend and that of my Phase One team and team mates. We were unlucky not to have been the top finishing European team.”

Although the performances of Cudlin and the Phase One team this year have been impressive, the season ranking still remains bleak, currently just 18^th in the World Championship standings, however it’s something that Cudlin sees as an opportunity rather than a hindrance heading into the next events.

“Luck really hasn’t gone our way this year, but it’s just been one of those things. As they say, that’s racing.” Cudlin enthused.

“But from here on in we really don’t have the pressure on us as some of the others do. This approach might help us get the results I know we are capable of in the races remaining. Finishing off strongly is our aim now.”

Cudlin’s next Endurance bout will come in 2 weeks at Oschersleben in Germany, a weekend where Cudlin will have double duties, racing his 600 in the German series at the same event.