Van der Linde to Make DTM Return in Schubert BMW

Kelvin van der Linde will return to DTM this season after a year away and will tackle the series for the first time at the wheel of a BMW M4 GT3 EVO.

The South African was the star of GT3 racing last season, picking up multiple accolades including the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS and Intercontinental GT Challenge titles.

However, it marked the first time in five years that he did not contest DTM.

Van der Linde was previously a regular for Audi squads, as a former factory driver, and finished runner-up in the 2024 standings with Abt Sportsline.

He will now take the place of Rene Rast, who is stepping back from DTM to spend more time with his family, alongside two-time champion Marco Wittmann at Schubert Motorsport.

The 29-year-old will be seeking to emulate his younger brother, Sheldon, as a series champion.

“It was always my childhood dream to race there and win races,” he said. “I have achieved both, but the ultimate goal remains to win the DTM title.

“Sheldon did it in 2022, and now it’s a kind of homecoming at Schubert Motorsport as I, his brother, will also drive for the team.

“The environment there is fantastic, and I felt very comfortable with the BMW M4 GT3 EVO during the successful 2025 season.

“In 2026, I want to be successful in the DTM right from the start and fulfil my lifelong dream of winning the drivers’ title. I am very excited and can’t wait for the season to begin.”

Head of BMW M Motorsport Andreas Roos added the manufacturer has “unfinished business in the DTM” after both Rast and Wittmann narrowly missed out on claiming the title in last year’s finale.

“We were so close to winning the title that we are even more motivated to do better this year,” he said.

“I am convinced that, with the successful combination of car, team, and drivers, we have the optimal conditions to fight for the DTM crown. Marco Wittmann proved last year that he has what it takes for a third title.

“From the very beginning of our collaboration, Kelvin van der Linde had a strong desire to return to the DTM, and I am glad that we can now make this comeback possible for him.

“He proved with his fantastic successes last season that he is capable of anything in the BMW M4 GT3 EVO.

“Moreover, his personality is a great asset to the DTM, which in our view is developing excellently. The racing, spectator numbers, and fantastic atmosphere make the DTM an indispensable platform for BMW M Motorsport.”