The van der Zwan-Hynes relation connecting the solvation time and the dielectric friction for a solute in a polar solvent is tested via molecular dynamics computer simulation. For partially and fully ionic diatomic solute pairs in a model polar aprotic solvent, for which there is considerable dielectric friction, the relation is found to be satisfied to within a factor of 2 and to correctly follow the trends observed for different solute pairs. Deficiencies of the relation are also discussed. Pronounced solute rotational caging associated with strong electrostatic solute-solvent interactions is also observed.