Long-time Polestar driver Robert Dahlgren will join Scott McLaughlin in Volvo’s two-car V8 Supercars effort this season.
The 34-year-old Swede’s long-mooted appointment to the company’s latest project was officially confirmed at an announcement ceremony in Melbourne this morning.
Dahlgren has been a Polestar driver for 10 years, competing largely in the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship for the team.
CLICK HERE for more on Dahlgren’s career to date
“I am really happy to be joining Volvo Polestar Racing in V8 Supercars, it is a dream come true for me,” said Dahlgren.
“The V8 Supercars is a championship like no other in the world and one that every racing driver wants to race in.
“I will be facing fast and experienced drivers who know the championship and circuits inside out, but I am looking forward to the challenge – it’s definitely one of the biggest of my career.”
Volvo Car Australia managing director Matt Braid and Volvo Polestar Racing team owner Garry Rogers both expressed their enthusiasm for the driver.
”The Volvo S60 is a car Robert knows inside out, so we’re delighted he’s joining our racing program,” said Braid.
“Robert’s experience and ability to develop a race car will be critical in our debut racing season, so we’re all looking forward to seeing what he – and Scott – can do with the Volvo S60 out on the track.”
Added Rogers: “It was excellent news for all the GRM team when we were chosen by Volvo to join Volvo Polestar Racing as they entered the V8 Supercars Championship in 2014 with their S60.
“With Robert Dahlgren joining Scott McLaughlin in the team I see this as a great opportunity to continue with our recent solid performances.
“Robert’s history shows he has proven to be a successful Volvo Polestar Racing driver.
“Being a winner of the British Formula Ford Championship (in 2001) – one of the world’s most competitive categories – he should adapt to our cars quite quickly and be a big positive for the team.”
Volvo’s V8 Supercar has already enjoyed multiple test hit-outs, running at both the East Sale Royal Australian Air Force base and Winton Motor Raceway.
Initially testing with one of the team’s existing Holden engines, Rogers confirmed that recent track work has taken place with the team’s Polestar-developed Volvo powerplant.
Dahlgren’s appointment sees the the make-up of the 2014 grid draw closer to completion.
CLICK HERE for more on the final seats and full list of confirmed teams and drivers in Speedcafe.com’s story from earlier this morning
