The 22-year-old South African driver, who now lives in Kempten, southern Germany, has already achieved enormous success in the Super Sports Car League after winning the title at his first attempt in his debut year and becoming the youngest driver so far ever to have done so. He missed taking his second championship title by just one point last year along with his brother, Sheldon. Overall, he has secured seven wins, 20 podiums and two pole positions in the ADAC GT Masters.

"I've been on friendly terms with the team for years, and our paths have often crossed," said van der Linde, "which is why I'm particularly looking forward to developing a close, professional relationship with them."

For HCB Rutronik Racing Team Principal Fabian Plentz, the South African's experience has an important role to play in their first year in the ADAC GT Masters: "I've known Kelvin since the start of his career in Europe in 2013 and really appreciate him both as a person and as a racing driver. We're new to the series and will have to learn one or two things as we go along as a result. In our situation, Kelvin's experience should definitely prove invaluable in our effort to develop the team as well as we possibly can."

Three of HCB-Rutronik Racing's four drivers have now been signed - van der Linde, Carrie Schreiner and Dennis Marschall. The outfit plan to announce the name of their team-mate next week.