Formula E: Kelvin van der Linde drives for Robin Frijns
AND IT CONTINUES The ABT Cupra Team is about to start its second race weekend in Formula E. Two races will take place in Diriyya (Saudi Arabia) today, Friday and Saturday.
The double-header event is also unusual because the races don't start until after sunset. For Kelvin van der Linde, the appearance is definitely something special. The former DTM driver is taking over for the injured Robin Frijns in the ABT Cupra Team.
Experience in the top class
The South African didn't have much time to settle in after Robin Frijns' retirement: "I tried to prepare as best I could: physically, by analyzing all the data and, of course, in the simulator. The engineers and Nico Müller gave me great support in the process."
Despite his racing debut, van der Linde certainly has experience in the top class of electric racing. He was one of the rookie test drivers in Marrakech in 2020. Back then, van der Linde set the fastest time in the morning session. For his first appearance for ABT Cupra (center gallery) in Formula E, van der Linde formulates modest goals. He wants to finish and help the team drive the project's development forward.
Formula E course leads through 21 curves
The track is a real highlight of the Formula E season. Diriyya is a suburb of Riyadh and the At-Turaif district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 2.495-kilometer Formula E circuit takes 21 turns around the historic city walls (gallery left). More than 170 LED floodlight masts will illuminate the track, which is characterized by a tight and fluid layout.
First race important for the team
Nico Müller, who was able to gain experience with the new Gen3 Formula E car on the first race weekend in Mexico, is confident: "Even though we didn't score any points in Mexico, the practice sessions and also the race were important for our whole team. We found some good approaches that we want to build on in Diriyya. Two full days of racing mean a lot of driving time and further valuable experience."
... and here you can follow practice sessions, qualifying sessions and races:
- Fri, 13:30: 1st Qualifying - in livestream
- Fri, 17:30: 1st race - live on ProSieben and in the livestream
- Sat., 11:25: 3rd free practice - in livestream
- Sat., 13:30: 2nd qualifying - in livestream
- Sat., 17:30: 2nd race - live on ProSieben and in the livestream
