Mike Rockenfeller and Ford still want to "make history" together

Nicknamed "Rocky," Rockenfeller belongs to that rare category of drivers capable of transcending eras and manufacturers. He rose to prominence at Porsche then Audi, he made history in 2010 by winning the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the general classification – a double achieved only once more since, by Fernando Alonso in 2019.

After a decade marked by Audi, Corvette, and a wide variety of programs – including supporting Chevrolet's Garage 56 project at Le Mans in 2023 – Rockenfeller has been a fixture at the Blue Oval since 2024. He is a key driver in the Ford Mustang GT3 program. IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, he was the only driver retained full-time by Ford for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

But for 2026, his role is changing. After sharing the #64 Mustang with Harry Tincknell in 2024, then with Seb Priaulx in 2025, Rockenfeller will now focus on the Michelin Endurance Cup. He will compete in the major endurance races driving the No. 64 Ford Mustang GT3, alongside Dennis Olsen and Ben Barker, while the regular crews will ensure the full championship.

Rockenfeller makes no secret of the fact that his adventure at Ford has a flavor unlike anything he has experienced before. Impressed by the scope and diversity of the manufacturer's programs – NASCARoff-road, endurance, F1 Coming soon, Hypercar/GTP on the horizon – he evokes a global vision of motorsport that is rarely equaled.

« In Europe, Ford doesn't have the same image as in the United States. Here, it's gigantic. And above all, you can tell that the management really loves racing. " he confides, mentioning in particular Jim Farley and Mark Rushbrook. An immersion in the very history of the brand, including a visit to Henry Ford's house in Detroit, reinforced this feeling of belonging.

« Writing history together, that's exactly what it's all about. It takes time to identify with a brand: sharing the successes, but also the more difficult moments. Today, I truly feel like I belong. »

A Mustang GT3 on the rise

Ford's progress in IMSA has been spectacular. After a first learning season in 2024, the Mustang GT3 took a leap forward in 2025. Rockenfeller secured pole position at the 24 Hours of Daytona, before finishing third in the race, while the No. 65 Mustang won overall in GTD PRO.

The rest of the season confirmed this rise in performance. The No. 64 Ford won twice in Detroit – in front of General Motors' historic headquarters – and then in Indianapolis at the Battle on the Bricks. With another podium finish at Road America, Rockenfeller and Priaulx finished third in the GTD PRO championship.

« Detroit will always be special. It's our only race in the city, and it's Ford's home race against GM. Winning there was huge. " emphasizes Rockenfeller, who also has a strong memory of the victory in Indianapolis, experienced with his family.

In 2026, the objective is clear: to aim for trophies in the major Endurance Cup races… and above all, to reclaim victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Having narrowly missed out in 2025, Rockenfeller readily admits that the defeat has left its mark.

« To win at Daytona, you have to be perfect. We were just a hair's breadth away. Two tenths, maybe. The other car was better, they deserved it. But of course, it makes you want to come back. »

While acknowledging that the title remains the ultimate goal over a full season, Rockenfeller doesn't hide his particular attachment to the Rolex 24. With a smile, he concludes: In Daytona, I would like to leave with a free watch… and not have to buy it myself this time. »

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