Volvo to pull out of V8 Supercars after 2016

Polestar first entered the Australian series in 2014 in a collaboration with established squad Garry Rogers Motorsport, running two Volvo S60 cars for Scott McLaughlin and Robert Dahlgren.

The programme had its first victory at Barbagallo that season as McLaughlin finished fifth in the points, with the Kiwi driver taking a double victory last time out at Phillip Island to lie second in this year's championship.

Teammate James Moffat currently sits 20th with a best finish of seventh in the first Phillip Island race.

While Polestar has now decided to pull the plug on its V8s programme, it pledged to continue pushing for the best results possible for the remainder of the season.

”We have enjoyed a good cooperation with Garry Rogers Motorsport and the championship organisers, but our strategy and business objectives requires us now to focus our attention to other technologies and championships in the near future,” said Niels Moller, COO of Polestar.

”We will of course support the programme in order to achieve the best possible sporting results in 2016, however, we feel it is fair to all involved that we can provide a heads-up ahead of 2017 as early as possible.

"We would like to extend our gratitude to all involved parties in the programme and wish them the very best for the future.”

Volvo also competes in the WTCC, which it rejoined as a full works effort for the first time since 2011 this season, as well as the Scandinavian Touring Car series, but could abandon the latter if it switches to TCR regulations.

Series boss responds

In a subsequent statement, V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton indicated that there could be scope for Volvo to continue in the series in some form despite Polestar's withdrawal.

However, it is thought unlikely that Volvo's Australian arm would be prepared to foot the bill for a continued programme without Polestar's backing.

“It is a disappointing decision by Polestar especially given the positive discussions being held locally about Volvo’s continued involvement in the series," said Warburton.

"However we understand that ultimately this was a global decision.

"Garry Rogers Motorsport has indicated that it is committed to race Volvos in the 2016 and 2017 seasons and we will continue to have discussions with Volvo Car Australia about its ongoing involvement in the sport.”