A method for continuous casting and rolling at increased casting speed followed by hot rolling of relatively thin metal strand, especially steel strand (1), where presetting of target temperatures (6) of the hot strip (2) reduces temperature losses in the hot strip (2) by increasing the temperatures of the work rolls (4) at a predetermined rate of increase, starting from a low initial temperature (5), and by adjusting the strip temperature (15) to a target rolling temperature (6) of the hot strip (2) and/or by automatically controlling or regulating the intensity of the roll cooling (18).