Photo: Volvo Polestar Racing

Volvo Polestar Racing pleased with initial engine performance

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Valvoline Volvo Polestar Racing tested the new V8 engine in the V8 Supercars Volvo S60 for the first time last week and reports that it has gone well.
“That went great, it was the first time we tested with a Volvo engine in it. We didn’t have any problems – we had minor things, but nothing really,” said team manager Garry Rogers to the official championship site.

The B8444S Volvo V8 engine has been developed by Polestar in Sweden and the first unit was shipped to Australia two weeks ago ahead of the first shakedown.
”The Volvo engine is running well, it hasn’t missed a beat. They’re making a few changes here and there and I’m sure they’ll do that throughout the season. We’ve got one over here already, it’s on time, so hopefully by Clipsal we’ve got a pretty competitive engine,” said Volvo driver Scott McLaughlin.

“We know the car’s pretty good because of last year and the new generation V8 Supercar allows us to run pretty much the same gear as we did last year. Basically it’s just trying to see what the engine’s like – that’s probably the biggest wildcard of the whole thing. So trying to get that will be pretty interesting.”

Young McLaughlin, who was crowned the 2013 V8 Supercars Rookie of the Year, has got a new team mate in the form of V8 Supercars newcomer Robert Dahlgren this year. While Dahlgren is an experienced racer, the Swede has never before raced in Australia and McLaughlin hopes to be able to help him.
“I’ve got a year under my belt now, which is obviously not that much, but I can give Rob an idea of what it’s about. It’s all new to us – two new cars, two new engines – I just want to get out there and have a crack,” said McLaughlin.

The first official test day of the year takes place at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 15th, the first time McLaughlin and Dahlgren will get to drive the two Volvo S60s in anger.
“Any test is massive in these cars now. Honestly, I think as long as we have two cars running, have a good and pretty reliable day, we’ll have a good crack at it. It’s probably the best preparation you can look at. It’s important to have a reliable day and try and get some pace out of them,” said McLaughlin.