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Ford Raptor T1+ Aims For Victory At Dakar Rally 2025 With Elite Driver Team
Ford's Raptor T1+ is engineered to conquer the challenging landscapes of the Dakar Rally, highlighting advanced engineering and Ford's renowned toughness. The Dakar Rally is a formidable test for this robust vehicle. Carlos Sainz Sr., Mattias Ekström, Mitch Guthrie Jr., and Nani Roma bring their expertise to tackle this demanding motorsport event.
The Dakar Rally, held annually in Saudi Arabia, is a significant event in off-road motorsport. In 2025, Ford Performance and M-Sport will participate in the T1+ category with the specially designed Raptor T1+. This rally has been a symbol of endurance for over 40 years. From January 3-17, competitors will cover nearly 5,000 miles across 12 stages from Bisha to Shubaytah. Each stage presents extreme challenges with varying terrain and weather conditions.
The T1+ category represents the highest level of competition in FIA rally raid events. Vehicles like the Raptor T1+ are built with production-derived engines. The Raptor T1+ features a high-performance Ford Coyote-based V8 engine, advanced FOX suspension, and a lightweight yet strong chassis. It is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Dakar.
Ford's participation in Dakar draws from its rich history in off-road racing. This legacy began over five decades ago when Rod Hall drove his Ford Bronco to victory at the Baja 1000 as the first production 4x4 vehicle to win. The Raptor T1+ combines desert-tested design with race-proven engineering, embodying Ford's technical capability and resilience.
Central to Ford's Dakar campaign is its partnership with rally racing experts M-Sport. This collaboration combines decades of experience with a commitment to perfection, resulting in a vehicle capable of meeting Dakar’s rigorous demands. "There has been a huge amount of effort gone into the project and we can’t wait to finally start the event," said Matthew Wilson, M-Sport program director.
Ford's team for the 2025 Dakar includes experienced drivers: Carlos Sainz Sr., a four-time Dakar champion; Mattias Ekström, known for his versatility; Mitch Guthrie Jr., an emerging American talent; and Nani Roma, a two-time champion returning after competing in 2024 with the Ford Ranger T1.
A Legacy of Off-Road Excellence
"The Dakar Rally is the pinnacle of off-road racing," stated Mark Rushbrook, global director at Ford Performance. "With the Raptor T1+ and our exceptional team of drivers, we’re not just here to compete—we’re here to showcase the strength, durability, and technical innovation that Ford stands for." This moment marks a significant milestone for Ford Performance and its partners at M-Sport as they prepare for this challenge.
Ford Motor Company is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. It aims to create a better world where everyone can move freely and pursue their dreams. Through its Ford+ plan, it combines existing strengths with new capabilities to enhance customer experiences and loyalty. The company offers innovative vehicles across various segments including trucks, SUVs, vans, cars, and luxury vehicles under Lincoln.
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