Kelvin van der Lince claimed pole position for Race 2 of the DTM event at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The German-South African driver, competing for Schubert Motorsport in a BMW M4 GT3 EVO, set a fastest lap time of 1 minute 27.575 seconds during the second qualifying session. This marked his tenth career pole in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters series.
Van der Linde’s performance came after a retirement in Saturday’s race, demonstrating a strong rebound for the #3 BMW entry. His lap was achieved following a Balance of Performance adjustment implemented earlier in the event weekend, which officials confirmed had been applied to several entries to maintain competitive parity across the grid.
The Red Bull Ring circuit, located in the Styrian mountains of Austria, has hosted DTM events regularly since the series’ revival, known for its elevation changes and technical layout that challenge both mechanical grip and driver precision. Spielberg has become a consistent fixture on the DTM calendar, drawing international attention to the region each spring.
Schubert Motorsport, based in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany, confirmed van der Linde’s continued participation in the 2026 DTM season alongside fellow BMW factory driver Marco Wittmann. The team operates under the BMW M Motorsport program, fielding customer entries in the GT3 category with technical support from the manufacturer.
Balance of Performance (BoP) is a regulatory mechanism used in GT racing to equalize performance between different vehicle makes and models. Adjustments typically involve modifications to weight, power output, or aerodynamic elements, and are determined by series organizers based on pre-event testing and performance data. The specific nature of the morning adjustment at the Red Bull Ring was not disclosed in official communications, but its application was confirmed by series officials prior to qualifying.
Van der Linde’s lap time of 1m27.575s was reported to be 0.172 seconds slower than the fastest lap recorded by a rival driver during the session, though the identity of that driver was not specified in verified sources. The margin highlights the tight competitiveness of the DTM field, where qualifying sessions are often decided by fractions of a second.
This pole position adds to van der Linde’s growing record in the series, which he has contested since 2019. Over his DTM career, he has competed for multiple teams including Audi Sport Team Rosberg and Abt Sportsline before joining the BMW-backed Schubert Motorsport entry. His consistency at circuits like the Red Bull Ring has contributed to his reputation as one of the series’ reliable qualifiers.
The Red Bull Ring has hosted motorsport events since the 1960s, originally known as the Österreichring before being shortened and redesigned in the mid-1990s. It returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2014 and has since become a regular venue for DTM, FIA World Endurance Championship, and various national racing series. Its 4.318-kilometer layout features nine turns and an elevation change of over 65 meters.
Schubert Motorsport’s involvement in DTM dates back to the early 2000s, with the team achieving multiple race wins and podium finishes across different manufacturer partnerships. Their current BMW M4 GT3 EVO package adheres to FIA GT3 homologation standards, with updates for the 2026 season focusing on cooling efficiency and aerodynamic stability.
As of the latest verified entries, the 2026 DTM season continues with events scheduled at circuits including Zandvoort, Lausitzring, and Hockenheimring. The next event following the Red Bull Ring round is set for Misano World Circuit in Italy, scheduled for mid-May 2026, according to the official DTM calendar published by ADAC Motorsport.
For fans wishing to follow the remainder of the 2026 DTM season, live timing, official results, and team updates are available through the series’ website and broadcasting partners. ADAC Motorsport provides regular press releases and technical bulletins detailing Balance of Performance decisions and regulatory updates throughout the year.
The competitive nature of DTM ensures that pole positions like van der Linde’s are frequently challenged, with race outcomes often influenced by tire strategy, pit stop efficiency, and on-track incidents. As the season progresses, consistency in both qualifying and race performance will be key for teams contesting the drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships.
With the Red Bull Ring event now complete, attention turns to the next round of the championship, where teams will seek to build on their performances or address any shortcomings identified during the Austrian weekend. The series remains one of Europe’s premier touring car championships, attracting manufacturers and drivers committed to high-level GT3 competition.
Stay updated on the latest developments in the DTM series by following official channels and verified motorsport news outlets. Share your thoughts on Kelvin van der Linde’s performance and the Race 2 outcome in the comments below.