Rockenfeller Aiming to Give “Best Input” to Ford LMDh Effort

Photo: Wes Duenkel/Ford

Mike Rockenfeller said he’s hoping to give his “best input” into Ford’s LMDh car, with the German set to lead development of the Oreca-chassied prototype.

Rockenfeller, along with Logan Sargeant and Seb Priaulx, were named last month as the first three drivers in Ford Racing’s factory FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar effort, which will debut in 2027.

For the 42-year-old, who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans overall in 2010 with Audi, it will mark a return to top-level prototype racing after being part of the German brand’s legendary LMP1 operation prior to starts in Cadillac’s DPi.V-R and a season in JDC-Miller Motorsports’ customer Porsche 963 program in 2023.

“For me, personally, when I joined Ford, obviously I was not thinking about anything [other] than to have the opportunity to be in the Mustang GT3,” Rockenfeller told Sportscar365. “That’s what I did for the last two years.

“When they came up to me, the first talks we had were around Road America, and that was pretty amazing.

“I didn’t think too much about it. I just tried to do my job, together with Seb, in the GT3. We formed a great lineup last year.

“Now it’s a new challenge in the future. I’m super excited to make that step with Ford together and hopefully use my experience to help the program.

“Obviously there’s more drivers to be signed. But I think to represent Ford coming back to Le Mans is a real honor.

“I know it’s going to be a big challenge for all of us. We have to do it step by step.”

Rockenfeller, who was heavily involved in the development of Audi’s LMP1 and DTM machinery, and more recently the NASCAR Garage 56 effort, said he understands that task at hand, which also includes remaining competitive on the track.

“Every driver involved will bring a lot to the table but I think from my end, I have, for the most part, with Audi [experience]. The most recent car [I helped develop] was the Garage 56, which was very different,” he said.

“Clearly with Audi, all the DTM cars, when I raced, also the LMP1 cars, I was heavily involved in the development.

“For sure you lean a lot. I’ll try to give all the best input I can inside the car, outside the car.

“Of course we all know it’s about building the car and having a great package. But it’s also about execution, operation. It’s going to be a big task as we have our own team.

“Everybody’s excited. But for sure my part is not so much different to any other team.

“For sure I have a lot of experience. I’ve seen a lot, but on the other hand I need to perform in the car just as anybody else.

“That’s my personal goal, to be quick, and to be an asset and a value for the team.”

When asked if he feels like he has a new lease on life in getting a call up to return to top-level prototype racing, Rockenfeller insisted that he can’t rest on his laurels.

“You always get judged in this competitive environment,” he said. “I have to prove again, like any other year and time of my life and career, that I deserve to be there.

“I don’t see myself any different to all the others.

“But clearly it’s a massive chapter.

“Coming from Porsche, longtime Audi, Chevy involvement and now to represent Ford and feel more and more part of the family over the last two years and to have this chance now, because I know how much it means to Ford to come back to Le Mans, with such a history.

“Personally, you can only dream to win Le Mans. We all know how difficult it’s going to be, but that’s the goal and the dream.

“I feel like I’m in a way refreshed right now. I’m in a very positive mood. I’m trying to get in proper shape for prototype racing again.

“That’s my focus, to be sharp, and to focus on development and get ready for the racing there.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John