ABT CUPRA has announced that reserve driver Kelvin van der Linde will replace Robin Frijns after the Dutchman broke his hand during the Mexico City E-Prix
Van de Linde will make his Formula E debut for the team, having previously tested Gen2 machinery in the Marrakesh rookie test.
Van Der Linde has previously competed in the 2021 and 2022 seasons of DTM, being in the title fight in the 2021 season.
“To compete in Formula E is a dream of mine – but of course I wanted the circumstances of my debut to be different,” Van der Linde said.
“I’m very sorry for Robin and I hope he’ll be fit again quickly. I am happy about the trust and the challenge.
“Now I have a few long days ahead of me and then I will do my best to stand in for Robin as well as possible.”
Frijns fractured his hand and wrist in a lap one collision with Nissan’s Norman Nato, requiring a five-hour surgery.
The Dutchman was discharged from hospital in Mexico yesterday and will return home to continue his recovery.
We are in constant contact with Robin and wish him a speedy recovery,” said team boss Thomas Biermaie. “Even though everyone in the team misses him a lot, we’re giving him all the time he needs to fully recover from the injury – that’s our absolute priority.
“The task and challenge for Kelvin to start in a World Championship without any testing is of course gigantic but he is highly motivated, works hard and the whole team will support him without any pressure.”
