Quotes: Russell Benney

Team manager Russell Benney: “Scarnato and Damian Cudlin probably possess the most combined World Endurance Championship experience of any of the contenders in 2009. I wanted the balance right and I think we have it; together they have a combined experience of over 20 years and neither are showing any signs of slowing. I believe that Alex Cudlin will be a fine partner for the 24 hour races as his reliability has been proven time and time again. Actually we are all eager to see what performance he delivers as the season progresses.”

Quotes: Alex Cudlin

Cudlin Junior is looking forward to joining his brother at Phase One. "To be riding for Phase One Yamaha is one of the most exciting things to have happened to me. This team have won three World Championships and have always had a very strong presence in the championship since they began competing in 1985, so to be part of the team in 2009 is a real honour. I must thank Damian for making this happen. He was the one to bring Phase One and me together. He has been racing with them for a long time now and Russell Benny, the team manager has great respect for him, which is reciprocated. They have a brilliant working relationship, and so when Damian suggested that he felt that I would be a valuable member of their team, things progressed very quickly from there.”

Alex made his debut in the World Endurance Championships with Diablo 666 three years ago, and gained his experience in long distance racing with them. "They were an integral and invaluable part of me now being able to step up to a team like Phase One, and I will always be grateful to Miles and James Hutchins for the opportunities that they gave me."

Quotes: Damian Cudlin

Cudlin senior says he feels like part of the family in the British squad and is excited about his 2009 prospects. "I'm really pleased to have signed with Phase One again and to front their attack on the 2009 title. Russell and I have a lot of history together and a lot of respect for each other. I first rode for Phase One in 2002 as an 18 year old, and have experienced some great times with them over the years. He's worked really hard to put the things in place we need to challenge for the title, and with the demise of SERT, the championship is wide open.

"Sebastian was the guy I needed at Phase One. His endurance experience is invaluable and we work very well together. Endurance is a team sport and this year we have the team that can win.

"Alex has grown into a very strong endurance racer and I think he's ready for the next step in his career. This is his chance to show what he's capable of and I know he'll step up to the plate. He's fit and determined and wants to win as much as I do. He's a chip off the old block."

And There's More...

Phase One Endurance will also compete at the Isle of Man TT races this year, with road racing star James McBride aboard one of the team's slimmed down endurance bikes. James will also be reserve rider for the team's endurance efforts. Benney again: “I am honoured to have James back in 2009. The North West 200 is also on our calendar for the year, but as yet it is unconfirmed.” The team will run two bikes in the Isle of Man with the second rider as yet undecided.

With SERT Suzuki thought to be out of the full championship, Phase One will spearhead the Dunlop challenge, a situation that Benney is relishing. “To have such support agreed from Dunlop will put the team in a very strong position indeed. Obviously we have no idea at this stage just how strong the competition will be, particularly from Michelin, but we are happy that the 2008 tyres will form a competitive basis to build on.”

The team will display two of its outgoing machines at next weekend's NEC trade show. The team's first main test will be at Albacete, 10th to 12th March.