Friday, 20 December 2024 22:41

M-Sport Ford Rally Raid Team prepared for Dakar Rally

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The M-Sport Ford Rally Raid Team is ready to take on the 2025 Dakar Rally with the Ford Raptor T1+.

Known as the ultimate test of endurance, the Dakar Rally will push both drivers and machines to their limits, challenging the team across the harsh and varied terrain of Saudi Arabia. In January, M-Sport will field a strong lineup of four accomplished drivers, all set to tackle the sand dunes.

After a promising debut with the Ranger Raptor at the 2024 Dakar Rally, M-Sport returns to one of the most gruelling events on the motorsport calendar. Over 14 days and 12 stages, the rally will cover almost 8,000 kilometres, starting in Bisha and finishing in Shubaytah. With the inclusion of the intense 48-hour Chrono Stage and the Marathon Stage, the crews will face the ultimate test on Saudi Arabia’s unforgiving desert terrain.

Four-time Dakar Rally Champion and reigning victor, Carlos Sainz Sr., alongside co-driver Lucas Cruz, returns to M-Sport for the first time in 22 years. Sainz, who previously competed for M-Sport Ford in the World Rally Championship from 1996 to 1997 and again from 2000 to 2002, won five rallies and earned multiple podium finishes with the team. Sainz debuted the Raptor T1+ at Rallye du Maroc, securing M-Sport’s first Rally Raid stage win and his own first stage victory with the team in over two decades. With his sights set on a fifth Dakar victory, ‘El Matador’ brings invaluable experience to the team.

Joining Sainz is Mattias Ekström, two-time DTM champion, and World Rallycross titleholder, alongside co-driver Emil Bergkvist. Ekström brings a wealth of experience across rally, circuit racing, and off-road disciplines, with Dakar experience dating back to 2021. After an impressive run in 2024, where he was just 20 minutes behind Sainz before facing setbacks, Ekström’s determination to fight for the podium in 2025 will be one to watch. He showed strong promise in the Raptor T1+ at Rallye du Maroc, moving from 91st to overtake nearly 40 cars on the first stage.

Nani Roma, two-time Dakar Rally Champion, and co-driver Alex Haro also return to M-Sport’s T1+ campaign after their solid debut in the 2024 Dakar. Having transitioned from the Ranger Raptor to the Raptor T1+, Roma marked the vehicle's first victory at The Hungarian Baja, demonstrating his continued skill and experience. With his 28th Dakar ahead of him, Roma will look to capitalise on his previous victories and the knowledge gained over the past year to fight for another win in the desert.

Completing M-Sport Ford’s impressive four-driver line-up is American off-road specialist Mitch Guthrie, alongside co-driver Kellon Welch. Guthrie, a champion at the King of the Hammers and a Baja 1000 class winner, brings extensive experience from short course off-road racing and desert events. With multiple stage wins in previous Dakar rallies, Guthrie is poised to make a strong impression in his debut in the T1+ class.

In addition to the driver lineup, M-Sport Ford has launched a new Raptor website, offering in-depth information on the 2025 Dakar Rally, the team’s drivers, and the engineering behind the newly designed vehicle. Viewers can follow the team’s progress throughout Dakar via M-Sport’s social media pages on Instagram, Facebook, and X.