The Blue Oval is currently working on preparing for the 2025 Dakar Rally set to take place in January, where it will tackle one of the world’s toughest off-road races with the new Ford Ranger Raptor T1+ racer, along with a team of experienced and skilled drivers. However, we’ll see that same team in action before January, as a pair of Ford Raptor racers are set to compete at the upcoming Rallye du Maroc – the traditional curtain-raiser for the Dakar Rally – which takes place October 4th-11th.
Last year, Ford also participated at the Rallye du Maroc in the the last-generation Ranger T1+, and managed to bring home a third place finish. Thus, Ford Performance will certainly have high hopes heading into this weekend, where WRX champion Matthias Ekström and four-time Dakar winner Carlos Sainz Sr. will work to not only better that particular result, but also, complete a pivotal part of the new Ford Raptor racer’s developmental process. During the course of Rallye du Maroc, Ford Performance will be able to test out the brand new desert racer in a real-world setting, and make tweaks along the way as it readies itself for the main event in a few months.
“The experience we gain from Rallye du Maroc will be critical as we continue to refine the truck for Dakar 2025. With drivers like Mattias and Carlos behind the wheel, we know we’re in a strong position to compete at the highest level,” said Matthew Wilson, M-Sport program director. Ekström and Sainz Sr. will be joined by Nani Roma, Mitch Guthrie Jr., and Kellon Walch behind the wheel of the new Ford Raptor racer at the upcoming Dakar Rally as The Blue Oval attempts to pilot its brand new off-road racer to victory in one of the most grueling events on the docket.
“Our goal has always been to build a diverse and powerful team, and with the additions of Mattias and Mitch, we’ve achieved that,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports. “We have a blend of Dakar champions and rising stars, all equipped with the capability to push the Ford Raptor T1+ to its full potential. The Rallye du Maroc is our last chance before Dakar to push man and machine to the limit and we intend to do just that.”
No Comments yet