Source: Supplied.

Experienced Australian Damian Cudlin has clinched a deal to compete in the 2016 Suzuka 8 Hours with Kohara RT alongside Japanese ace Kousuke Akiyoshi aboard a Honda CBR1000RR.

Cudlin has been part of the F.C.C. TSR Honda team in this year’s FIM Endurance World Championship to date, but will transfer to the au&Teluru Kohara Racing Team for Suzuka’s classic endurance event.

“I’m really excited to be joining the au&Teluru Kohara Racing Team for this year’s Suzuka 8 Hours,” Cudlin explained. “While I’ve been competing with the FCC TSR Team in this year’s Endurance World Championship, their rider line up for Suzuka had been finalised long ago with HRC riders, so Mr. Fujii San introduced me to Mr Nakagome San, who offered me a chance to ride for his team.

“I was very honoured to receive the offer from him and to ride alongside Kousuke Akiyoshi, a rider I’ve respected for many years. I’m looking forward to testing the bike this week in Japan, in preparations for the race. I love the Suzuka 8 Hours, it’s one of my favourite events and I can’t wait to go racing with the au&Teluru Kohara Racing Team!”

As part of the F.C.C. TSR Honda team, Cudlin is currently ranked fourth in the 2016 EWC standings, opening the season with a third-place finish at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours. It will field Kazuma Watanabe, Dominique Aegerter and PJ Jacobsen at Suzuka.