Alex Cudlin has just returned to the UK after completing his first test in Spain with his new team, Phase One Yamaha.

Testing at the Spanish circuit of Albacete, Cudlin got a taste of the new 2009 “Big Bang” Yamaha R1, and after riding with a different team for the past 3 years, it was very valuable for Cudlin to learn the ropes with his new Phase One crew.

“For me it was very important to have this test with Phase One. For the past 3 years I have been on a different bike with a different team, and have been riding on a different brand of tyres. It was great to start afresh with this team - they have the right combination of bike, tyres, riders, mechanics and back up. It feels like a brand new chapter in my career” said Cudlin.

After having such a long time off a bike, with virtually no riding since the 2nd last round of the 2008 World Endurance Championship in September, it felt great to get back in the saddle and have a good test, and Cudlin knows he has a lot more to give when the 2009 World Endurance Championship season kicks off in just 4 weeks time at Le Mans in France for the first 24 hour round.
 
“The new team and I worked well together from the first day and I feel like I'm already part of the Phase One family. With the progress that was made during the test I'm confident of a successful 24hour race with the Phase One Yamaha Team – I can’t wait to get out there and show what I can do as part of this team. There is a lot more speed to come yet and I feel I made the right progression throughout the weekend. This is a great opportunity to work with a world class crew and I feel very privileged to do so” said Alex.

The Phase One Yamaha team will now be working hard from their base in England, to further develop the new Yamaha R1 and prepare a 2nd bike before the first round in 4 weeks time.
With the 2009 Yamaha R1 having major changes in the chassis and engine department, initial testing at its first stage of development was very positive and it is believed to be the bike to beat in 2009.
With the racing starting in mid April, stay tuned for more news.

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