Motorcycle ace Damian Cudlin will fly out to Japan on Monday in preperation for the next round of the World Endurance Championship, the prestigious Suzuka 8 hour race.

Cudlin currently sits 4th in the World Championship standings, however as the Championship reaches the halfway point in Japan, Cudlin hopes to improve his position in the title chase.

"The next 2 rounds are the most critical in the championship and can really make or break your year" said the 22 year old. "But I see it as my chance to recover the points gap between myself and the leaders. If we come away from Japan with a strong result, then back it up with another one in Germany, I could still win this thing. It ain't over yet"

The Suzuka 8 hour remains the single biggest race on the motorcycling calender, with previous winners including Australian World Champions Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner.

Cudlin is looking forward to making his debut at Suzuka, however concedes that it's going to be difficult having never seen the circuit before. "It's not going to be easy to learn that circuit in the time I have, that's probably the biggest problem that I'll face, but I'll be do my best. I should be right."

Having just recovered from surgery on his arm to repair damage from a previous injury, Cudlin believes he'll be fitter than ever for his next assault. "I've been working with Tony from the Taree Aquatic and Leisure Centre for the last 12 months on my fitness and it's made a difference. The surgery I had recently was just to clean out some scar tissue that I had from a broken wrist years ago. It feels better already, so now I just can't wait to get on the bike and go racing."

The Suzuka 8 hour will be held on the 31st of July.