Alex Davison has been confirmed as the driver of Ford Performance Racing’s fourth entry in next year’s V8 Supercars Championship.
In a statement released by the factory Ford team this morning, Davison, 33, will drive the #18 Charlie Schwerkolt Racing Falcon, prepared by FPR.
As first reported by Speedcafe.com, Davison’s place in the expanded FPR squad will place him alongside his younger brother Will, who drives one of the team’s official factory entries.
Speedcafe.com understands that Davison’s deal to drive for Schwerkolt is for one season. He will get his first test with the team tomorrow (Tuesday) during FPR’s three-car test at Winton.
It will be Alex Davison’s third attempt at a full-time V8 career, having driven a Perkins Engineering-prepared Commodore for Rod Nash Racing in 2005. It wasn’t until 2009 before Davison got his second chance, securing a three-year deal with Stone Brothers Racing.
During that time, he picked up two podium results, one pole position and a best championship finish of 11th last year.
After finishing third in this year’s Carrera Cup, Davison says that his chance with Schwerkolt and FPR is his best opportunity to succeed in V8 Supercars.
“It is extremely exciting for me to be racing in V8 Supercars again so I thank Charlie for putting his faith in me and for giving me the opportunity to be part of FPR,” Davison said.
“I put all my efforts this year into getting into Charlie’s seat as it was my number one pick and was highly-sought by a number of drivers given the amount of success the team has had this year.
“The Car of the Future angle makes next year all the more exciting and the fact FPR are further ahead than just about anyone else with their preparations gives me a great deal of confidence.
“I am going into the test with a very open mind. I’ve heard what Will thinks of the new car but for me it is a chance to get some laps in before the break and also a chance to meet the team before we start working together properly in January.”
Team owner Schwerkolt says Davison can be a regular front-runner in his car.
“Alex is a great talent and one that deserves a drive at the highest level so I am very pleased he will be driving my car next year,” Schwerkolt said.
“His experience both in V8 Supercars and the Carrera Cup means we can immediately aim to be a contender at the front of the field.
“FPR’s Car of the Future program is very advanced and alongside the team’s three very talented drivers I think my car, with Alex in it, ensures all four factory Fords will be in the mix from the first race.”
