Aussie Damian CXudlin will spearhead Phase One Yamaha's 2009 assault on the World Endurance Championship's 24-hour races, with Italy's Sebastian Scarnato and younger brother Alex Cudlin also joining in.

Scarnato will partner Cudlin Snr in the shorter events while Alex comes in for the 24-hour events and as a support rider for the six and eight-hour races.

Britain's James McBride has also been named as the team's reserve rider but he will be fronting the team's Isle of Man TT plan and may also ride at the NorthWest 200.

"Scarnato and Cudlin probably possess the most combined WEC experience of any of the contenders in 2009," said team boss Rusell Benney. "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 hr 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."
 
Suzuki's official team SERT are thought to be out of the full championship, so 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 from which to start."

Damian Cudlin said: "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."