Volvo Polestar Racing has confirmed that Robert Dahlgren will not return to the V8 Supercars Championship for a second season.
The 10-year veteran of Polestar’s racing programs was dispatched to Australia this year as Volvo made the leap into V8 Supercars.
Installed primarily to help develop the Polestar engine package, Dahlgren has endured a horror season, sitting last of the full-time drivers in the standings ahead of the season finale.
As previously reported, Dahlgren is set to be replaced in the team by David Wall, who brings backing from Wilson Security and Payce Consolidated to the outfit.
CLICK HERE for Speedcafe.com’s full silly season update from earlier this week
Volvo says that Dahlgren will “continue to play a role in a number of new assignments in Sweden with both Polestar and Volvo Car Group in 2015 and onwards”.
“To be involved in such a successful debut V8 Supercars season has been incredibly rewarding, and I am proud to have played a key role in the development of the new car and engine, linking GRM in Melbourne with Polestar in Gothenburg,” said Dahlgren.
“The entire GRM team – and the Australian motorsport fans – have all been incredibly welcoming to me and my family.
“The V8 Supercars Championship is without doubt one of the best in the world and I leave Australia with many happy memories.”
Team owner Garry Rogers thanked Dahlgren for his efforts with the team.
“We at GRM are very thankful to Robert for the assistance and professionalism he has displayed in his 12 month contract with our race team,” said Rogers.
“As much as sheer race results may not indicate the true value of Robert’s input, his off track input and work has been very much appreciated, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without him.
“Robert has a very good engineering mind and his knowledge on the processes within both Volvo and Polestar have been extremely helpful with our transition to a factory Volvo Polestar team.
“I wish him, his wife Nina and young son and daughter all the best in their return to Sweden”.
Added Polestar managing director Christian Dahl: “Robert’s results on track were what we were to expect with a new car, new engineer and new tracks.
“However, his task in aligning the R&D work between Gothenburg and Melbourne was done well above the pace we could expect.
“Now, we need Robert back home again for coming projects.”
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