Van der Linde Joins BMW Factory Roster

BMW M Motorsport has announced that it has signed Kelvin van der Linde to its roster of factory GT3 drivers ahead of the 2025 season.

The South African will join his younger brother Sheldon at the Munich marque for what has been described as “an extensive racing programme” with the new-for-2025 BMW M4 GT3 EVO.

The news of the 28-year-old’s signing comes just a few days after it was announced that Van der Linde would part ways with DTM squad ABT Sportsline after four seasons together.

“I am really looking forward to the new challenge at BMW M Motorsport,” said Van der Linde.

“For me and my family, this comes full circle. My father raced in BMW touring cars, and after my brother Sheldon had joined BMW M Motorsport a few years ago, it has always been my dream that we would eventually drive together there.

“This dream is now coming true. I will have an extensive racing programme next season, which will give me a lot of driving time in the BMW M4 GT3 EVO. This will help me quickly adapt to the new car.”

Van der Linde joins BMW with an extensive resume in GT3 racing, having twice won the Nürburgring 24 as part of a number of accolades achieved in his tenure as a factory driver with Audi.

This past season, he drove a Lexus RC F GT3 with Akkodis ASP Team in the FIA World Endurance Championship, but will depart that team after a single season to be replaced by Ben Barnicoat.

Van der Linde’s move to BMW opens the door to a reunion with the Vincent Vosse-led Team WRT operation, with which he raced on and off between 2015 and 2022 and notable won the Suzuka 10 Hour in 2019.

Additionally, it could lead to him once again sharing a car with younger brother Sheldon, which previously occurred in ADAC GT Masters, the N24 and the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.

Details of Van der Linde’s program will be revealed at a later date.

“I am very pleased to welcome Kelvin van der Linde to the BMW M Motorsport family,” said BMW M Motorsport director Andreas Roos.

“He has proved over many years that he is one of the top GT drivers worldwide and has shown impressive performances in countless races.

“Kelvin is a great addition to our high-class driver line-up. With our new BMW M4 GT3 EVO, we aim to continue our extensive racing programme and compete for victories and titles at the major GT highlights of the season.

“Kelvin van der Linde will be a great support in achieving our ambitious goals.”