Ford Mustang GT3 Evo Readies for Sebring Challenge After Tough Daytona Debut
The Ford Mustang GT3 Evo made its competitive debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, showcasing promise, yet ultimately underperforming with three of its four entries suffering critical failures. As the team shifts focus to the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, improvements in suspension, aerodynamics, and braking are anticipated to propel performance.
Mike Rockenfeller, a factory driver for Ford, noted the circuit’s characteristics could play into the Mustang’s favor. “This track benefits us more than Daytona in terms of handling,” he said after the initial practice session. He remarked on the enhancements made, stating, “We improved the braking a little bit. The downforce level is higher, which helps everywhere.”
Despite the optimism, the team faces significant challenges. In practice sessions, the #64 and #65 Mustang GT3s recorded the slowest times in their category, finishing ninth and twelfth respectively in the night practice. “We are not the quickest, so it’s going to be tough,” Rockenfeller acknowledged.
He expressed cautious optimism, citing the unpredictable nature of endurance racing: “The race always unfolds differently than expected. It’s a long race; we finished fifth with our car last year. If we can get a top five or six this time, it would be a good result.”
Rockenfeller, who previously won in the GTLM class at Sebring in 2017, aims to refine the Mustang’s setup ahead of qualifying. He is joined by co-drivers Ben Barker and Dennis Olsen, all looking to redeem themselves after a disappointing Daytona performance.
Looking ahead, Rockenfeller emphasized the season’s long-term potential while managing expectations for Sebring. “This is a long championship, and you need to maximize points in races where you could be on the back foot,” he stated, aiming to position Ford competitively for championship contention despite his new commitments in the European Le Mans Series.
The Ford Mustang GT3 Evo’s adjustments will be pivotal as the team prepares for the challenges of Sebring, where both speed and reliability will be under scrutiny.
