For the first time in its GTD PRO history, the Ford Mustang GT3 has claimed pole position at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. With Mike Rockenfeller leading the charge, Ford Multimatic Motorsports locked out the front row in qualifying, a significant milestone for the iconic muscle car as it seeks its first global victory this weekend.
Rockenfeller’s Cautious Optimism
Despite the monumental achievement, Rockenfeller remains measured about the Mustang’s chances of sustaining its advantage over the grueling 24-hour race.
“I think we struggle a bit more over a stint with our tire deg,” Rockenfeller admitted. “That’s something I’m a bit worried about. The way we treated the tires for qualifying was spot on, but that’s not valid for the race. In the race, it’s a whole different story.”
The German veteran emphasized the importance of endurance over sheer speed: “It’s 24 hours — everybody should have a good chance here. If you don’t make mistakes, stay out of the pits, and keep the wheels turning, that’s the key. Then we’ll see Sunday, with three or four hours to go, if we have a shot or not.”
A Highly Competitive Field
Rockenfeller acknowledged the fierce competition in this year’s GTD PRO class, noting that it is “more competitive than last year for sure.” While the Mustang GT3 showed exceptional pace in single-lap scenarios, maintaining that performance over a full stint under race conditions will be the real test.
“We saw throughout the sessions that we are clearly good on one lap,” said Rockenfeller. “But endurance racing is about consistency, strategy, and avoiding errors. It’s a long road from pole to the checkered flag.”
Historic Pole Position for Ford Multimatic
This pole marks Rockenfeller’s first in IMSA competition since March 2006, when he led the grid at Homestead-Miami Speedway in an Alex Job Racing Daytona Prototype. For Ford Multimatic Motorsports, the achievement signifies the Mustang GT3’s evolution into a genuine contender on the global stage.
What Lies Ahead?
As the field prepares for the iconic endurance race, Ford Multimatic Motorsports faces the challenge of balancing aggressive performance with tire management and mechanical reliability. With Rockenfeller and his teammates eyeing a breakthrough victory, the Mustang GT3’s pole position may just be a preview of what’s to come—or a warning of the challenges that await over 24 hours of intense racing.
