ABT Parts Ways With Van Der Linde

ABT Sportsline has announced it has parted ways with Kelvin van der Linde after four seasons together in the DTM.

Van der Linde first joined ABT for the DTM’s first season under GT3 regulations in 2021, immediately proving a front-runner as he picked up four race wins on his way to third in the standings driving one of the team’s Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evos.

After two more difficult seasons in 2022-23, the South African returned to title contention as he finished runner-up overall behind Mirko Bortolotti.

In addition to the DTM, van der Linde also drove an ABT Lamborghini in the most recent two editions of the Nürburgring 24 Hours, and also made selected Formula E outings for the ABT Cupra team, including in this year’s Berlin round.

News of van der Linde’s departure from ABT comes against the backdrop of increasing speculation that he will become a BMW driver in 2025.

“I had always hoped that this day would never come, so it is difficult for me to find the right words,” said van der Linde.

“I have a lot to thank ABT Sportsline for. I came to Kempten as a young man and would probably have failed without the warmth and support of the people at ABT. I made lifelong friends there and my heart will always beat for ABT.

“It is not a decision against ABT, but for another manufacturer. The last four years were of course particularly intense – in the DTM, but also because of my additional role in Formula E and on the Nordschleife. I have experienced emotions that I will never forget.

“I felt the support and passion at every race, and I can only thank every single member of the team. Even though we missed our big goal in the end, we were able to celebrate great successes together. Every victory was special. See you!”

ABT motorsport director Martin Tomczyk said that the decision to part ways with van der Linde was linked to its switch from Audi to Lamborghini machinery for the 2025 season, which was announced back in September.

Van der Linde himself had also been linked to a switch to Lamborghini earlier in the year, before the Italian manufacturer’s place on the 2025 WEC grid was plunged into doubt.

“It is an important step for us to be able to compete in the DTM again with factory support,” said Tomczyk. “But the partnership with Lamborghini will also lead to changes.

“Ideally, our drivers will come from the Lamborghini roster. Despite the efforts of Kelvin’s management and intensive discussions with Lamborghini, Kelvin will unfortunately no longer be available to us in 2025, which we all very much regret.

“We have shared unforgettable moments and great successes together. With Kelvin we are losing not only a top driver but also a great personality.”