It is official! South African racer Kelvin van der Linde will drive for ABT Cupra in the upcoming Formula E races set to take place in Berlin in May.
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Stepping in for regular driver Nico Müller, who is committed to the World Endurance Championship that same weekend, van der Linde brings a wealth of experience and excitement to the team. Born in Johannesburg, van der Linde has already left his mark in the world of motorsport, showcasing his prowess on various tracks globally.
Hailing from a family deeply entrenched in racing, van der Linde’s journey began at a young age, quickly rising through the ranks to become the youngest champion in the South African Volkswagen Polo Cup series. Renowned for his accomplishments in GT racing, he has competed in prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Spa and the Nürburgring 24 Hours, solidifying his reputation as one of the top GT drivers worldwide.
Having previously dipped his toes into Formula E at the start of the 2022/23 season, van der Linde is no stranger to the electric racing series. As the team’s reserve and simulator driver, he has diligently prepared for this opportunity, eager to once again experience the thrill of driving a Formula E car in front of fans at Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit.
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Van der Linde’s familiarity with Formula E machinery, coupled with his understanding of the team dynamics, makes him a valuable asset for ABT Cupra. With three previous races under his belt, including a notable P16 finish in Saudi Arabia, van der Linde is determined to contribute to the team’s progress and perhaps even spring a surprise on the competition.
ABT CEO and Team Principal Thomas Biermaier highlights van der Linde’s expertise and past contributions, expressing anticipation for another successful weekend together. Despite challenges faced in previous events, such as rear suspension issues affecting performance in the Cape Town E-Prix, van der Linde remains undeterred, ready to seize the opportunity and showcase his skills once again on the Formula E stage.
