How Audi's new DTM flagbearer is closing on his "childhood dream"
Having learned the ropes in GT3 alongside Rene Rast, Kelvin van der Linde is in line to take up the three-time champion's baton as Audi's new DTM king. From humble origins in South Africa, it's been a remarkable journey so far for the current series leader, but he knows that the 2021 title is a long way from settled just yet.
“DTM is something specifically unique for me because it's something I dreamed about all my career. I never really dreamed about Formula 1 because my dad was a touring car driver in the past for BMW, so I was always watching touring cars instead of Formula 1.”
Those are the words of factory Audi driver Kelvin van der Linde, who leads the DTM standings heading into the business part of the season.
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Rachit Thukral has been working for Motorsport Network from its early days in 2016. Initially recruited for the Indian edition, he was promoted to Motorsport.com’s Global team in mid-2019.
Over the years, he has held a wide variety of roles, ranging from covering Super Formula and SUPER GT in Japan to junior formulae in Europe.
More recently, he has directed his focus to sportscar racing, particularly WEC, DTM and IMSA. He also has experience in reporting on Formula E, Dakar and MotoGP.
Rachit also plays an active role in the day-to-day running of Motorsport.com in his post as News Editor.
Prior to joining Motorsport Network, he worked at the autoX magazine from 2014-15. He started his career in motorsport journalism by launching the website RachF1.com during his teen years.
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