South African Sheldon van der Linde to take part in Formula E rookie test for Jaguar

Sheldon van der Linde could soon make the jump to Formula E if the stars align correctly.

The South African will take part in a rookie driver's test on 24 April at Berlin's Tempelhof circuit in Jaguar's Gen3 racer, the I-Type 6. This is the first Formula E rookie test since 2020.

Van der Linde, 23, is a BMW factory driver, having competed in the DTM for the last four seasons and winning the title in 2022.

Van der Linde started his racing career at six-years-old, taking to the karting tracks en route to winning multiple championships in different categories.

He moved into cars in 2014.

"I'm very proud to be joining Jaguar TCS Racing for my first rookie test in the Jaguar I-Type 6," Van der Linde said.

"The rookie test is a really great opportunity for young and upcoming drivers to try new motorsport categories, and I'm really looking forward to driving the Gen3 race car for the first time. 

"From what I've heard, Formula E is particularly challenging if you're a rookie, so it will be great to get some valuable experience in the all-electric racing series."

READ: Four reasons CT e-Prix withdrawal was devastating for home hero Kelvin van der Linde

James Barclay, the South African heading Jaguar's Formula E operations, has no doubt over Van der Linde's abilities.

"The rookie test is an important day for both teams and drivers, and I'm very pleased that we have Sheldon driving the Jaguar I-Type 6," Barclay said.

"Sheldon's résumé is without question, and we are very pleased to have this very talented young driver in one of our cars and see how he approaches his time with us and his feedback."

Sheldon's brother, Kelvin, competed at Cape Town e-Prix in February 2023, racing for the Cupra team. He is the team's official reserve driver.