Mike Rockenfeller has competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans a total of eight times, winning outright in the Audi R15+ that set a new distance benchmark in 2010. Five years earlier, he scored a GT class win with Porsche. He also finished on the third step of the podium in 2012, again with Audi. Two of his five other Le Mans adventures ended prematurely due to heavy crashes – on exiting Tertre Rouge in 2008 and on approaching Indianapolis in 2011. Fortunately, “Rocky” emerged unscathed on both occasions. This year, Rockenfeller is back at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the #63 Corvette and, despite his experience of the iconic circuit, he is considered almost as a newcomer.

Like the rookies (such as Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button), all drivers who have not entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans for at least five years must be put through a simulator session, at AOTech’s training centre near Paris.  “That’s the rule! I’ve done my duty. It wasn’t my choice as we work on simulators all year round. It was just to get the go-ahead from the organisers, not to get to know the circuit [laughs]. However, this simulator session isn’t designed to test your driving skills, but more to learn the rules, traffic management, the flags, and so on. It was valuable as it has got me looking forward again to this great race and helped me focus on our goal.”

Rockenfeller’s goal is a win in LMGTE Pro with Corvette. He knows the car well as he competes in the “long” races on the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship calendar with the American outfit. He also masters the demands of GT: “Yes, I know the GT class! In fact, I first raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in GT2, with Porsche in 2004 and 2005. So I’m familiar with the class and its particularities, although I have to admit it was a long time ago. I’m glad to be back. In the meantime, I have had some good times with Audi and also some tougher moments. Now I’m happy to be part of this adventure and very proud to wear the colours of Corvette.”

Rockenfeller is delighted to be returning to Le Mans with Corvette and line up alongside another former Audi driver, Marcel Fässler. “It’s great to embark on a new adventure together. Marcel and I often travel to races together. We fly to the US to drive for Corvette and we arrived together today. I’m excited now this crazy Race Week has begun and am looking forward to the race... and winning!”

Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), PLACE DE LA REPUBLIQUE, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SCRUTINEERING, SUNDAY 10 JUNE. New colours for Mike Rockenfeller at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.