Van der Linde, Feller Continue With ABT

ABT Sportsline has opted for continuity in its DTM driver lineup for the coming season with Kelvin van der Linde and Ricardo Feller both carrying on at the Audi team.

Despite exiting Audi Sport’s factory driver roster this year, van der Linde will continue to pilot an Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II in the German series courtesy of his ABT ties.

The South African finished third in the 2021 title fight, followed by ninth last season.

Feller, meanwhile, is set for his second DTM season at the German squad, having joined off the back of a 2021 ADAC GT Masters title triumph with Land-Motorsport.

ABT is fielding a pair of Audis in the DTM this year after running a third car for current BMW driver Rene Rast last season. The team is also expanding into Lamborghinis for its revived Nürburgring 24 program.

“Kelvin and Ricardo are among the fastest GT3 drivers in the world,” said ABT Sportsline CEO Thomas Biermaier.

“They got on very well with us from day one and work perfectly together. What’s more, they are cool guys who fit in well with ABT Sportsline.

“And they have a lot of experience with the DTM’s new tire partner [Pirelli] which is a factor that should not be underestimated.

“I’m sure that with Kelvin and Ricardo, we can continue our success story in the DTM.”

Van der Linde has already raced for ABT this year, considering he has stepped into the team’s Formula E operation with Cupra to replace the injured Robin Frijns at four rounds.

“I am extremely looking forward to my third season with ABT in the DTM and working with Ricardo as a teammate,” he said.

“At the end of last season, we showed our potential. I believe that with the new crew around me we can really attack this year and look forward to good results.”