Sheldon van der Linde

2019.01.21

Van der Linde: “The DTM has always been a dream of mine.”

In 2019, Sheldon van der Linde will be the first South African driver to compete in the DTM. In this interview, the new BMW works driver talks about his great DTM dream, expectations for his maiden season and the continuation of a family tradition.

Read more

Sheldon, how does it feel to be a BMW DTM driver?

Sheldon van der Linde: “It feels quite unreal at the moment I have to say. I think by the time I’m standing at the grid in Hockenheim it will feel more real. Before that there is a lot of preparation that has to be done. The DTM has always been a dream of mine. To reach that goal is such a relief and an achievement that brings motivation. And for sure I’m very excited to join the BMW family as well.”

Read more
Sheldon van der Linde

What has been your connection to BMW in the past?

Van der Linde: “My dad has been driving for BMW in South Africa for many years as a works driver as well. That is a very cool connection. It feels fantastic to continue the family tradition in that way and I’m very excited to keep the name ‘van der Linde’ high in the BMW family.”

Read more
Sheldon van der Linde

What are your expectations for your maiden DTM season?

Van der Linde: “Of course it is not going to be easy at all. It’s the best touring car championship in the world for a reason. It’s all the best drivers in one series. It’s not going to be easy and I will have a lot to learn, especially coming from GT3. But I know I have the right team around me to support me in that way to really get the best out of the complete package, so I’m very confident that we can do a good job. Like I said, there are a lot of things that need to be done, and I’m really looking forward to Hockenheim in May.”

Read more

Related articles.

BMW Motorsport Website

“ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge”: Bad luck for Maximilian Günther – victory for Kevin Siggy.

2020.05.30 |
Maximilian Günther and Alexander Sims miss out on the points at the virtual track in New York on the penultimate race weekend.
Read more
BMW Motorsport Website

The success story continues on the virtual Nordschleife: two BMW Z4 GT3s on the podium.

2020.05.30 |
Bruno Spengler and Team BMW Bank claim second place in the fifth race of the Digital Nürburgring Endurance Series powered by VCO.
Read more
BMW Motorsport Website

Realistic down to the smallest detail: how the virtual version of the BMW M4 GT4 came about.

2020.05.29 |
In June, the BMW M customer racing car, the BMW M4 GT4 will make its virtual debut on the sim racing platform iRacing. Intensive collaboration with BMW Motorsport in development guarantees maximum realism.
Read more
BMW Motorsport Website

IMSA iRacing Pro Series: Five BMW M8 GTEs reach top ten in Virginia – Bruno Spengler fifth, extends overall lead.

2020.05.29 |
Bruno Spengler finishes fifth in the penultimate race of the season at the ‘Virginia International Raceway’ being the best-placed BMW driver.
Read more
BMW Motorsport Website

Zug: “In the race we try to deliver the best.”

2020.05.26 |
An interview with: Marius Zug.
Learn more
BMW Motorsport Website

Maximilian Günther in the points at virtual home race for BMW i Andretti Motorsport in Berlin.

2020.05.23 |
Seventh place for Günther in the fifth race of the season in the ‘ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge’ at the Tempelhof circuit.
Read more
Show more