Thiim, Van der Linde to Drive for Phoenix LMP2 Program

FIA World Endurance GTE champion Nicki Thiim and Audi factory ace Kelvin van der Linde will form part of Phoenix Racing’s driver lineup for its Asian Le Mans Series debut.

The pair will support full-season drivers Matthias Kaiser and Simon Trummer in the German team’s No. 5 Oreca 07 Gibson during the four-round campaign in February.

Trummer is the only member of the driving squad with previous LMP2 experience, with both Thiim and van der Linde coming in fresh to prototype racing altogether.

Kaiser, meanwhile, drove for Graff in the LMP3 class of this year’s Michelin Le Mans Cup.

Phoenix is moving into prototype racing from next year as it eyes a future presence at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and a possible involvement in the LMDh formula.

The team has extensive experience in GT racing as a quadruple Nürburgring 24 winner and has also won two DTM titles as part of a long association with Audi.

“Excited to announce that I will be taking part in the Asian Le Mans Series next season with Phoenix Racing,” van der Linde tweeted.

“It’s the first baby steps to try and build up something for the future. Big thanks to Phoenix for their trust on this project.”