SA youngsters in top series

Kelvin van der Linde and Jordan Pepper, both just 18 years, will drive Audi R8 LMS Ultra models in this year’s German GT Masters series.

Van der Linde, who clinched the GT Masters championship with a privateer team last year, will be a fully-fledged Audi Sport driver this season.

He will represent the works Audi team in Germany’s premier sports car series, which comprises eight rounds and includes events in Holland and Belgium. He will also drive for Audi in selected endurance races.

Van der Linde will relocate to Germany at the end of the month in preparation for the opening round at Oschersleben on April 24.

“A contract with Audi Sport is a big step forward and an important development in my objective to make a career out of motorsport,” Van der Linde said.

“I’m privileged Audi and the VW Group as a whole have placed such faith in me in recent years, and look forward to driving for them in 2015 and beyond.

“The immediate objective is to defend the title for Audi. Who knows – a successful season could lead to an Audi seat in LMP1 endurance racing or DTM in the future. Either would be a dream come true, but I am just happy to be where I am right now,” he said.

Van der Linde’s co-driver in the series will be announced soon.

Meanwhile Jordan Pepper will be driving for the C Abt Audi team in the GT Masters series this year, also behind the wheel of an Audi R8.

Pepper, the outright winner of last year’s Scirocco R Cup Championship, will be partnered by Audi factory driver Nicki Thiim.

“I am excited and privileged to be sharing the car with Nicki Thiim as he has huge experience in driving the Audi,” Pepper said.

“I will be able to learn a lot from him.

“I would like to thank Chrstiaan Abt, Audi, Gavin Vareges and Blue Label Telecoms for their valued support in making this all possible.”

He will be moving to Germany early next month.