Kelvin van der Linde has joined his brother Sheldon van der Linde as a fellow BMW driver with confirmation he will drive the new BMW M4 GT3 EVO.
BMW has announced the van der Linde brothers will reunite as both will serve as factory drivers for the 2025 season.
K. van der Linde debuted in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2024 as a co-driver in the #78 Akkodis ASP Lexus RC F LMGT3.
His notable GT racing career achievements, however, preexisted the WEC’s new LMGT3 category.
He is a two-time Nurburgring 24 Hours winner, ADAC GT Masters champion and DTM vice-champion.
S. van der Linde has been a BMW factory driver since 2019 and also competes as a WEC Hypercar driver.
K. van der Linde said: “I am really looking forward to the new challenge at BMW M Motorsport.
“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.”
Head of BMW M Motorsport on van der Linde’s arrival
Andreas Roos added: “I am very pleased to welcome Kelvin van der Linde to the BMW M Motorsport family.
“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.”
Akkodis ASP enabled S. van der Linde to debut full-time into the WEC which included competing at the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours.
The BMW M4 GT3 scored four 2024 WEC podiums in additional to an IMSA GTD Pro win in Virginia, setting up a stable benchmark for the EVO upgrade.
BMW will confirm S. van der Linde’s specific racing duties next year, although he could possibly continue racing in the WEC’s LMGT3 class.
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