After the serious accident suffered in the first lap of the Mexico E-Prix, it was reported that Robin Frinjs suffered fractures in his left hand, which officially ruled him out of the double race to be held in Saudi Arabia on January 28 and 29.
Frinjs’ injury will allow Kelvin van der Linde to make his Formula E debut to replace the Dutchman on Arabian soil.
“Kelvin has been part of the ABT family for years in a variety of roles. He has been involved since the beginning of our comeback project and was earmarked as a reserve driver from the start, so it was immediately clear to us that he would replace Robin,” stated Thomas Biermaier, team principal.
He reported that they are in constant contact with Frinjs, to whom they wish a speedy recovery. “Although everyone in the team misses him very much, we are giving him all the time he needs to fully recover from the injury, that is our absolute priority,” he added.
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Arduous Preparation
Since learning of the decision to replace the European rider, van der Linde has spent every day from morning to night at ABT, analyzing data and countless hours on the simulator.
The South African stated that competing in Formula E is a dream, but he didn’t want to arrive under these circumstances. “I am very sorry for Robin and I hope he recovers soon. I’m happy for the confidence and the challenge. Now I have some long days ahead of me and then I will do my best to replace Robin in the best way.”
Van der Linde competed for ABT in the DTM in 2021 and 2022 and was a title contender all the way through in his debut season. He tested Formula E at the 2020 rookie call-up in Marrakech and is supporting ABT CUPRA in simulator preparation this season.
In addition, the 26-year-old driver scored the two most important victories of his career in 2014 and 2017. In 2014 he won the ADAC GT Masters, and three years later he won the Adac 24h Nürburgring.
