International open-wheel champion Anton De Pasquale has cracked a drive in the Dunlop V8 Supercars Development Series in a Paul Morris-prepared Falcon.

The 20-year-old, who emphatically won the Formula Renault 1.6 title in Europe in 2014 before funding restrictions saw a limited campaign in the 2.0 series last year, is looking to the tin top series to rejuvenate his career.

De Pasquale tested the Triple Eight Race Engineering-built chassis at Queensland Raceway last month ahead of his inclusion in the Dunlop field for 2016.

“Racing in V8 Supercars is something that has always been on my radar and I am sure the learning I accumulated overseas will help fast-track my debut into the category,” Melbourne-based De Pasquale said.

“I was looking for somebody who could teach me the finer art of driving cars with a roof over my head and Paul (Morris), his team and their facility will provide everything I need to be able to enter the Dunlop Series this year.

“I had a run in the car late last year and Paul helped make the transition a smooth one.

“I have realistic expectations about the year ahead and know these cars take some time to get on top of but feel sure I am in good hands and can’t wait to get stuck into some testing prior to the first event on the streets of Adelaide.”

The move is confirmation that De Pasquale has all but abandoned any further dreams of pursuing his single seater career in Europe.

Morris was impressed with what De Pasquale could do at his maiden test in the car.

“He was very impressive, right on the money straight away, gave good feedback and had the right attitude and approach, so we are delighted that he will be driving the number 67 machine in this year’s Dunlop Series,” Morris said.

“We were on the hunt for driver who could work with our existing commercial partners and also someone we could help develop over the long-term to become a major force in V8 Supercar racing.

“I feel sure that Anton’s experience from racing in Europe for the last two years will give him an edge in driving attitude that, when combined with our knowledge of the V8 Supercar business, will provide all the right ingredients for success.”