Rockenfeller aims for victory at the 24 Hours. of Spa

How did the tests for the 24 Hours of Spa go?
Alright. I rode in the morning and focused on working on the set-up. I haven't driven at Spa-Francorchamps with the R8 LMS since last year, but I drove there this year with the R18 TDI. The route is therefore familiar to me. We set the best time in the morning. In the afternoon, my teammates Andrea Piccini and Christopher Haase took over for long runs. Everything went well.

GT3 is the premier class at Spa for the first time at Spa. Do you think this is the right solution?
It's hard to say. However, for me, as a GT3 driver, this is obviously a good thing. We will compete for overall victory. Although there are many other cars capable of winning, I think we have a good card to play. As with every 24 Hour race, we will first and foremost have to focus on finishing without encountering any problems. In this area, I think we are in a good position with Audi Sport Team Phoenix.

Can you compare the 24 Hours of Spa and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring?
Yes and no. To begin with, the two races are of the same duration and the goal is the same: To pass the traffic as quickly as possible and without technical problems and without making mistakes. In this aspect, it differs a lot due to the different rules regarding supplies. Refueling (with fuel) and changing tires at the same time is not permitted (in Spa). For this reason, the possibility of doing double stints is important, to avoid tire changes as much as possible. At Spa, there is more room for strategy and tire management than on the Nordschleife.

What is the legend of Spa-Francorchamps for you?
Spa is one of my favorite circuits. It was really pleasant to drive there with the Audi R18 TDI in ILMS. A 24 Hour race here is very special, even if it is incomparable with an event like Le Mans. There are more than 20 cars on the grid capable of playing for the win.