Damian Cudlin has confirmed he will ride in the 2005 World Endurance Championship for the prestigious Phase One Yamaha Team.

Cudlin will be teamed with Englishman Andi Notman for the season in the successful British team and both riders will pilot the potent Yamaha R1.

Cudlin made his WEC debut with Phase One at the final round of the 2002 championship where he finished in an impressive 4th place.

Phase One Team Manager Russell Benny was pleased to confirm Cudlin's name in
it's rider line up and believes there is much in store for his new rider.

"I'm really pleased to have a rider of Damian's caliber onboard for 2005."  Benny said.

"I've seen what he's capable of already and believe that in our team we can really take him places"

Benny also believes that the team is now well positioned to challenge for the title of World Champion in 2005, a title the team have owned 3 times.

"We've got a really strong line up with Damian and Andi, our Yamaha's are working great now, and we've done it before so there's no reason why we can't challenge for the title again." Benny said.

The 22 year old from Taree is looking forward to the challenge 2005 will bring, and is eagerly awaiting his first test of the teams machine in Spain.

"I'm wrapped to have been given this opportunity and just can't wait to the start of the season." Cudlin said. "I've worked with Phase One before and know they are one of the best teams in the paddock, so hopefully I'll give these guys a hurry up over there next year."

The 2005 World Endurance Championship kicks off at Assen in March.