Kelvin van der Linde replaces Robin Frijns for Diriyah E-Prix

The doubt is lifted: Robin Frijns will not be traveling to Saudi Arabia, the next destination of the Formula E. The Dutchman fractured his left wrist in his accident during the inaugural E-Prix in Mexico on Saturday. Operated in the Mexican capital, the Abt-Cupra pilot will not be able to participate in the double headers in Diriyah next week (January 27-28). Therefore, the German team must call on a replacement, which is none other than Kelvin van der Linde. The South African will make his official debut in the electric championship in Saudi Arabia.

(I.e. @KelvinvdLinde will make his debut at the #DiriyahEPrice, replace @RFrijns following the injury he suffered in Mexico City.

— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) January 19, 2023

Kelvin van der Linde, 26, is no stranger to Formula E. The two-time ADAC GT Masters champion was a test driver with ABT-Audi in 2019 and 2020 and knows the ABT family well from there. having driven in DTM the last two years. “Kelvin has been part of the ABT family for years, in different roles. He has been involved since the beginning of our return project and was planned as a reserve pilot from the start. So it was immediately clear to us that he would take over from Robin”, said team boss Thomas Biermaier. The task and challenge for Kelvin to start a world championship without any tests is of course gigantic, but he is very motivated, works hard and the whole team will support him without any pressure. »

For his part, the South African has already started working on the simulator. “Competing in Formula E is a dream of mine but of course I wanted the circumstances of my debut to be different, confided Van der Linde. I'm really sorry for Robin and I hope he gets back to health soon. I am happy with this confidence granted and this challenge. Now I have a few long days ahead of me and then I will do my best to replace Robin as best as possible. »

ALSO READ > What are the first lessons from Gen3?