Ford’s Raptor T1+ Takes on the 2025 Dakar Rally with Four Legendary Drivers
The Dakar Rally, a grueling off-road motorsport event held annually, returns in 2025 to test the limits of human and machine endurance. Ford Performance and M-Sport have unveiled their purpose-built Raptor T1+ to compete in the T1+ category, a high-caliber division of FIA rally raids.
With nearly 5,000 miles of treacherous terrain across Saudi Arabia, the rally runs from January 3 to 17, challenging drivers with 12 stages from Bisha to Shubaytah. Participants navigate extreme conditions with routes revealed only moments before each stage begins.
Raptor T1+: Built for Dakar’s Extreme Challenges
The Raptor T1+ is a testament to Ford’s engineering prowess, blending rugged durability with cutting-edge technology. Equipped with a Ford Coyote-based V8 engine, advanced FOX suspension, and a lightweight yet robust chassis, the Raptor T1+ is designed to handle the extreme heat, unforgiving terrain, and relentless competition of Dakar. The vehicle underwent extensive testing, including the Rallye Du Maroc, to prepare for this ultimate test.
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance, stated:
“The Dakar Rally is the pinnacle of off-road racing, where legends are made. The Raptor T1+ exemplifies Ford’s strength, durability, and innovation. We’re not just competing; we’re showcasing what Ford stands for on a global stage.”
The Dream Team: Four Motorsport Legends
Ford’s 2025 Dakar effort features an exceptional lineup of drivers, each bringing unique expertise to the race:
- Carlos Sainz Sr. – A four-time Dakar champion and motorsport icon with unmatched precision and experience.
- Mattias Ekström – Known for his versatility across rallycross, DTM, and Dakar, Ekström excels in adaptability and technical skill.
- Mitch Guthrie Jr. – A rising star in off-road motorsport, Guthrie Jr. has already made his mark with victories at King of the Hammers.
- Nani Roma – A two-time Dakar champion in both motorcycle and car categories, Roma brings strategic expertise and a wealth of experience.
Ford and M-Sport Collaboration
Ford’s partnership with M-Sport, a rally racing powerhouse, is at the heart of the Raptor T1+ development. Combining decades of expertise, this collaboration ensures the vehicle is race-ready for Dakar’s unforgiving demands.
Matthew Wilson, M-Sport Program Director, remarked:
“We’ve invested immense effort into this project, and with our driver lineup and rigorous testing, we’re prepared for the challenge. Dakar 2025 promises to be a true test of endurance, especially with exciting elements like the 48-Hour Chrono and the finale in the Empty Quarter.”
Legacy Meets Innovation
Ford’s legacy in off-road motorsport stretches back over five decades, beginning with Rod Hall’s historic Baja 1000 victory in a Ford Bronco. With the Raptor T1+, Ford continues its tradition of innovation, delivering a vehicle that embodies the resilience and technical excellence necessary to conquer Dakar.
