Dick Johnson has welcomed Ford Performance and the Mustang into the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship from next season.

Johnson ran Ford Mustangs during the 1980s, prior to his switch to the Ford Sierra in the Group A period.

“Throughout the entire history of this team, we’ve never run anything but a Ford, and this announcement today is fantastic,” said Johnson.

“The fact that we will be able to build and race Mustang in the 2019 Supercars Championship is music to my ears. It’s great to be back in the Ford fold, and we’ll continue to ensure that we give Ford – and its millions of fans – something to cheer about.”

Having entered the sport four years ago after buying into Dick Johnson Racing, Roger Penske is equally enthusiastic.

“This is an exciting announcement for DJR Team Penske and for the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship,” said Penske, whose NASCAR team also runs Fords.

“We have been working closely with the Ford Motor Company over the past few years and this really builds a lot of momentum for Supercars.

“Ford’s dedication to the technical aspects of this process will continue to raise the bar for DJR Team Penske and the other Ford teams.

“The Mustang brand has such an iconic history in motorsports and it will be great to be racing them in multiple Series.”

The development of the Mustang for the Supercars championship will be a joint project between DJR Team Penske and Tickford Racing, with a view to having the car on track for 2019.