The end of the collaboration between ABT and Audi and the new association with Lamborghini will have got the better of the presence of Kelvin van der Linde within the German team. The South African driver leaves the Kempten-based team after four years together in DTM, culminating in a 3rd place in the 2021 championship and eight wins in total.
ABT Sportsline thanks @KelvinvdLinde.
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- ABT Motorsport (@abtmotorsport) December 17, 2024
“I always hoped this day would never come, so it’s hard for me to find the right words, says the South African. I owe a lot to ABT Sportsline: I arrived in Kempten young and would probably have failed without the friendliness and support of the ABT people. I made friends for life and my heart will always beat for ABT. (…) I experienced emotions that I will never forget. I felt the support and passion at every race, and I can only thank every member of the team. Even if we missed our big goal in the end, we were able to celebrate great successes together. Every victory was special.
In the statement published by ABT, Kelvin van der Linde explains that his choice to leave the German team " "This is not a decision against ABT, but for another manufacturer." Indeed, the departure of Audi – ABT's historic partner for 25 years – and the arrival of Lamborghini has not convinced the South African, who could join his brother Sheldon van der Linde and head to BMW.
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Yves-Henri RANDIER
17/12/2024 at 01:24 a.m.
A Saffa brother duo at BMW? Not really surprising when you know the importance of the South African market for the Bavarian firm which is undeniably very popular there. Go Bokke!