Cudlin set for Moto2 in 2012

Australia’s Damian Cudlin has joined the Moto2 ranks, signing a deal to ride for the QMMF Racing Team in 2012.

The talented 29-year-old joins the Qatar-based outfit, riding the Moriwaki-framed machine alongside teammate Elena Rossell.

“My entire career, I've been trying to find a permanent grand prix ride, but it was very difficult to get the right support. Now, all the stars have aligned and I'm finally getting my chance,” Cudlin said. “The QMMF team has a great structure and lots of potential. I will try to use my experience as a development rider, a job that I've done for several teams and manufacturers during the last years.”

The Cudlin name isn’t unfamiliar among the QMMF ranks, with Damian’s younger brother, Alex, riding for the Moto2 outfit at the 2010 Australian MotoGP.

Damian has just come off an impressive 2011 season in the German Superbike Championship and the Endurance World Championship and he also deputised for the injured Loris Capirossi in the Motegi and Phillip Island rounds on a Ducati.

But it was a torrid time as he crashed out at Motegi, and was then spat off viciously at Phillip Island in practice, forcing him to miss the race.

In his first ever Moto2 race in Germany in 2010, Cudlin finished a paddock-startling seventh after a last-minute call-up.

Jack Miller and Arthus Sissis will be Moto3 riders in 2012, with Casey Stoner the sole Australian MotoGP rider.

Round one will be in Qatar from April 6-8, with Australia's round from October 26-28. For more information visit motogp.com.