Eurosport Event’s François Ribeiro and FIA President Jean Todt have welcomed the announcement that Volvo will join the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) from 2016, with the brand set to join Citroën, Honda, LADA and RML Chevrolet on the grid.
Volvo announced a multiyear campaign to enter two S60 TC1 cars earlier, with the manufacturer embarking on its first multi-season multi-car campaign in the championship.
Ribeiro, who told TouringCars.Net back in May that he was “certain to see a new manufacturer entering in 2016” has welcomed the addition of Polestar and Volvo to the championship.
“Volvo has a strong pedigree in touring car racing and it’s a big credit to the WTCC as a global platform to be selected by a premium brand looking to showcase its exciting new performance brand, Polestar,” said Ribeiro. “This will be a serious manufacturer entry with the design, chassis and engine development and running of the team all taken care of under one roof. Welcome to Polestar Cyan Racing to the pinnacle of touring car.
“The introduction of the FIA’s TC1 regulations coupled with Citroën’s participation has raised the bar from a technical and sporting point of view during a short period of time. Far from scare off manufacturers, they’ve pushed LADA to change completely its approach and required Honda to chase more performance.
“Now Volvo has found the challenge of the WTCC and the building of a TC1 car – a perfect fit for its global S60 model – irresistible. It will test itself against an extremely high level of competition, and will add to the WTCC a touch of blue cyan which is so emblematic to Volvo in racing.”
Meanwhile FIA President Jean Todt added that Volvo are a ‘fitting’ addition to the WTCC, which is entering its third year of TC1 regulations in 2016.
“I am delighted to welcome Volvo as a new manufacturer in the FIA World Touring Car Championship,” said Todt. “As a famous touring car marque, and as a name synonymous with both technology and safety, it is fitting that Volvo is the latest manufacturer to join the World Championship. This new entry is testament to the maturity of the WTCC and to the attractiveness of the TC1 regulations for manufacturers. My hope is that Volvo, with its S60 TC1, and the FIA World Touring Car Championship will enjoy great success together.”