Damian Cudlin has got off to a clean start in World Endurance Championship with a solid 4th place at Assen in the Netherlands over the weekend.

The race was won by the Factory Suzuki Team ahead of Team Bolliger Kawasaki with the Diablo Kawasaki finishing 3rd.

Cudlin, who was teamed with fellow Aussie Warwick Nowland and Brit Andi Notman, proved to be on the pace all weekend aboard the potent Phase One Yamaha R1, however a number of small problems during the race hampered the teams chance to finish on the podium.

Cudlin started the race with good speed, comfortably running in 3rd position until a severe vibration from the front of the bike slowed his progress. A defect front tyre was later found to be the problem.

The team lost further time at the first pit stop with a running problem.
However with lightning speed the team diagnosed and repaired within around 30 seconds.

Brit Andi Notman then put in a solid performance, particularly impressive considering the 220kmph crash he suffered in Warm Up only hours before. With around ten minutes to go in Andi's stint, rain began to fall on the Assen circuit so wet tyres were prepared for Cudlin's second session. The team were now in 4th position, 3 minutes adrift of 3rd.

Cudlin produced a stellar performance in the wet conditions and lapped the circuit considerably quicker than the opposition to gain 90 seconds in his 50 minute stint, and sat only 1 and half minutes adrift of 3rd.

The baton was then passed to Aussie Warwick Nowland for the final 45 minute leg, who set out to chase the Diablo Kawasaki in 3rd. With Nowland gaining time on the Kawasaki, it looked possible of a podium finish for the Phase One Team, but with time running out, Nowland tried in vain to close the considerable gap.

"It's a shame to miss out on a podium finish, but we've gained good points here which is good for the championship." Cudlin said. "I'm happy the team's performance, everyone gave it their best shot, it just wasn't to be. We'll be giving these guys a shake up at the next one though."

This solid start puts the team in a good position heading into the 2nd round of the championship at Albacete in Spain, where Cudlin hopes to close the gap between themselves and championship leaders Suzuki.

Photo- Cudlin in action at Assen.
Photo#2- L to R- Damian Cudlin, Andi Notman, Warwick Nowland.