Mike Rockenfeller secured the Ford Mustang GT3's first-ever GTD PRO pole position at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, leading a Ford Multimatic Motorsports 1-2 qualifying result. However, the German driver remains cautiously optimistic about the race prospects.

"I think we struggle a bit more over a stint with our tire deg," Rockenfeller admitted, noting that qualifying performance may not translate to race pace. "The way we treated it for qualy was really good and spot on, but that's not valid for the race."

The veteran driver emphasized that success in the 24-hour event will depend on consistency and avoiding mistakes rather than pure speed. "If you don't make mistakes, stay out of the pits, and keep the wheels turning — that's the key to be there," he explained.

This marks Rockenfeller's first IMSA pole position since March 2006, when he qualified first in a Porsche/Crawford Daytona Prototype at Homestead-Miami Speedway. While acknowledging the heightened competition compared to last year, he maintains that their single-lap pace shows promise for the race.

The team will face their true test during the 24-hour endurance race, where tire management and consistent performance will be crucial factors in their bid for the Mustang GT3's first global victory.

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