"You have to experience Daytona".

Together with team-mates Michael Marsal, Jörg Müller and Dirk Werner, the 36-year-old was preparing for the race on 28th/29th January 2012 in Turner Motorsport's no. 93 BMW M3. Bill Auberlen, Boris Said, Billy Johnson and Paul Dalla Lana will compete in the GT class in the second BMW M3.

"A lot was new to us at this test," says Müller. "We knew neither the car nor the team. However, it did not take long for all of us to settle in, and we were well received and supported by the team."

The dress rehearsal for the 24-hour race demonstrated the immense strength in depth of the GT category, with over 40 cars competing in this class. Despite the strong competition, Dirk Müller has a good feeling following the extensive test. "We are right up there, even if we were not always at the top of the time sheets. The most important thing for us was to get to know the car and the team, as well as getting used to things like the tyres."

The reigning ALMS GT champion's first overall victory in Daytona came back in 1998. But that is not the only reason he enjoys such a close relationship with the "Daytona International Speedway". "You simply have to experience Daytona live. The huge oval and massive crowds… I obviously also like the fact that it is so warm in Florida at the start of the year."

As a former champion, he knows exactly what it takes to win in Daytona. "You have to master the balancing act between long straights and the infield," he says. Dirk Müller has just one goal for the race: "To win the GT class with BMW."