16 Jun 2013

Volvo set to join V8 Supercar Championship from next year

2:19 pm on 16 June 2013

After dismissing speculation is was planning to join the Australasian V8 Supercars championship, Volvo is poised to line up on the start grid next year.

An announcement from Volvo is expected in Brisbane tomorrow, where it's set to launch the S60 Polestar.

That same model will be used in the championship and it is understood Victorian-based Garry Rogers Motorsport has signed on to become Volvo's factory-backed team in a four-year deal.

GRM currently runs two Holden Commodore VFs driven by 20-year-old New Zealander Scott McLaughlin and Frenchman Alex Premat.

Given Volvo doesn't currently produce a V8 engine, a generic Chevrolet engine is expected to be used.

Volvo have previously competed in the Australian Touring Car Championship with New Zealand driver Robbie Francevic became the first non-Australian to win the series crown when the then 44-year-old won the title in 1986 in a Volvo 240T.