DJR signs Davison and De Pasquale for 2021 Supercars season

The all-new line-up has been one of the worst kept secrets of the silly season, both drivers long linked to DJR.

De Pasquale has been touted as a future Scott McLaughlin replacement for well over a year, while Davison emerged as a contender for a drive shortly after splitting with Tickford Racing earlier this year.

The recently-announced DJR/Team Penske split opened the door for both to land DJR seats, with McLaughlin IndyCar-bound and Fabian Coulthard shuffled out of the regular line-up.

This has now been formally confirmed, DJR today making it official that Davison and De Pasquale will drive its two Shell-backed Mustangs next season.

For Davison the news marks a homecoming, his Supercars career having started with a three-year DJR stint between 2006 and 2008.

De Pasquale joins following three seasons at Erebus Motorsport, with his exit from the Holden squad confirmed yesterday.

Team owner Dick Johnson said: "Will and Anton are great new additions to our team, and I couldn't be happier.

"I've known Will forever, and he showed again at Bathurst his exceptional speed and maturity.

"Anton is someone who caught my eye even before joining Erebus in 2018 with his exploits overseas. He's a real talent and a future champion of the sport."

Not only is the drive a return to familiar surroundings for Davison, it's also a return to a full-time drive.

Despite a strong start to the season in Adelaide for Tickford, the two-time Bathurst winner was left without a ride following the pandemic-induced break that followed, after sponsor Milwaukee Tools pulled its backing.

He re-joined Tickford for Bathurst, finishing second alongside Cam Waters, before his switch to DJR.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the championship-winning team, and after a strong weekend at Bathurst, I feel I'm well-positioned to have my best season yet," said Davison.

"I've always maintained close relationships with Dick and Ryan over the years. I'm massively motived to be back where my Supercars career started, and I'm looking forward to working closely with Anton."

De Pasquale added that he feels the DJR move is the next step in his career, following his Erebus stay that yielded a win and six podiums.

"I really enjoyed my time at Erebus, it was like a big family, and I am grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to step up into the main game," he said.

"Now, I'm ready to take the next step in my career. I'm excited at the possibilities of what I'll be able to achieve at the Shell V-Power Racing Team and with Will as my teammate."