Sheldon van der Linde managed to spot 3rd in the final race at the Hockenheimring (GER) to assert the championship providing BMW their 1st winner since Marco Wittmann in 2016 and South Africa’s first-ever DTM winner.
Van der Linde held his nerve on the remaining race weekend of the time. On Saturday, he overcame a grid penalty to struggle his way up from 16th to second position. He claimed fifth on the grid on Sunday and adopted this up by ending third to attain the podium after a faultless race. He chalked up 164 factors to best the drivers’ standings, 11 additional than Lucas Auer (AUT, Mercedes) in 2nd location.
Van der Linde celebrated 3 wins and 6 podiums in his championship period. It was his fourth period in the DTM and the 1st for his Schubert Motorsport team, which also secured the team title at the very first try.
Franciscus van Meel (CEO BMW M GmbH): “What a wonderful day for the complete BMW M Motorsport loved ones! Congratulations to Sheldon van der Linde and Schubert for winning the staff and drivers’ championships! Absolutely everyone associated – the staff, the motorists and the motor vehicle – delivered great performances throughout the season and deserved this triumph. It is a extremely emotional working day for us all. Even additional so, as Marco Wittmann also managed to win the last race. Viewing him and Sheldon celebrating jointly like that on the podium demonstrates how very well all people will get on in the BMW M Motorsport relatives. Now we can celebrate!”
Sheldon van der Linde (#31 BMW M4 GT3, Schubert Motorsport): “Right now, it is difficult for me to describe my feelings. There are a million feelings heading via my head. I had a few sleepless evenings this 7 days. I have to confess that the tension of going into this weekend as championship chief was massive. It feels excellent now that this excess weight is off my shoulders. Ever considering the fact that I was a kid, I have dreamed of driving in the DTM. I am unbelievably very pleased and delighted now that I have gained it. Growing up in South Africa, producing the leap to the DTM appeared a really extended way absent. But now it has all labored out – I can barely think it!”
A large congratulations to the younger driver who we will be viewing at the BMW M Fest this weekend so really don’t overlook to enable him know that he is the initially at any time DTM Champion from sunny South Africa.
