Damian Cudlin will contest both Aragon and Phillip Island grands prix. Image: MotoGP.com.

Aussie Damian Cudlin has been signed to take the place of Yonny Hernandez at Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) and has been confirmed to contest both the Aragon and Phillip Island rounds of the MotoGP World Championship.

The vastly-experienced 30-year-old will line up at Spain’s Motorland Aragon this weekend and will campaign the PBM team’s in-house machine as Michael Laverty is moved to the ART mount.

The shuffle comes as a result of Hernandez’ move to Ignite Pramac Ducati in order to cover for the injury-stricken Ben Spies.

The Spanish event will mark the third different championship Cudlin has contested in successive weeks after competing in World Supersport a fortnight ago and the German IDM Championship last weekend.

PBM technical director Phil Borley said the team looked forward to working with Cudlin in Spain and Phillip Island.

“With his experience and knowledge, we hope to continue the development of our bike and have a positive weekend together,” said Borley.

“Unfortunately, we will not have the chance to test before the race and so the first sessions will be important for Damian to acclimatise to the bike, the Bridgestone tyres and carbon brakes.

“Our target will be to improve Damian’s feeling in each session and give him a bike he is confident to race.”

Cudlin contested the Japanese Grand Prix with Pramac in 2010 and has previous experience in the Moto2 ranks, racing both Assen and the Sachsenring in 2012.