SHUBAYTA, SAUDI ARABIA, Jan. 17, 2025 – Ford Performance has marked its triumphant debut at the 2025 Dakar Rally, securing an impressive third-place podium finish in the Ultimate category with the all-new Ford Raptor T1+. This remarkable achievement, in the team’s inaugural participation with the powerful Raptor T1+, speaks volumes about the capability and resilience of both the team and the machine, as they navigated over two weeks of grueling desert racing through some of the most unforgiving terrain on the planet.
A Race Defined by Skill, Teamwork, and Resilience
Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist proved themselves masters of endurance, crossing the finish line in third place overall, culminating in a well-deserved Stage 11 victory in the infamous Empty Quarter. The duo’s consistent speed and unwavering determination were evident from the outset, as they secured a second-place finish in the Prologue with just a second separating the leader. Their performance continued to impress with a P3 finish in Stage 5, followed by a second-place finish in Stage 7.
While Ekström and Bergkvist’s podium finish was the highlight, other Ford drivers made their own marks. Mitch Guthrie Jr., competing in his first Dakar Rally in the Ultimate class, displayed maturity and consistency, finishing an impressive fifth overall. His results were a testament to his clean and fast racing style, as he gained invaluable experience in the process. Nani Roma also made headlines, delivering a sensational Stage 10 victory after navigating through treacherous dunes—a win that was not only Roma’s first stage win in a decade but also the first stage victory for the Ford M-Sport team.
“It has been an incredible experience,” said Ekström. “We can be very proud as a team that we were able to fight at the front, showing good pace and consistency. The quality of the Ford Raptor T1+ was outstanding throughout the race. Now, I’m looking forward to returning next year and pushing for the overall win.”
A Challenge Like No Other
The 2025 Dakar Rally was a test like no other, with the event’s format designed to push even the most seasoned drivers to their limits. The first half of the race featured the demanding 48-hour Chrono and Marathon stages, while the final leg brought competitors into the vast and unforgiving Empty Quarter—an expanse of desert and dunes that served as the ultimate proving ground.
This year’s rally also showcased extraordinary feats of grit and determination, particularly from Carlos Sainz Sr. After an early roll, the legendary driver and co-driver Lucas Cruz found themselves in a battle against the clock and the desert’s harshest conditions. With support from teammate Mitch Guthrie Jr., Sainz fought tooth and nail to finish the stage—an unforgettable example of the Built Ford Tough spirit.
“The Dakar Rally is unlike any other motorsport challenge, and this year, our team rose to the occasion,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance. “Mattias, Carlos, Mitch, Nani, and the entire team proved the capability of the Ford Raptor T1+ and the resilience that defines Ford. This was a rally to remember, and I’m so proud of our team. We have proven that the Raptor has the speed and durability required to compete in the toughest environments on the planet, and we now look forward to the FIA World Rally Raid Championship.”
Engineering Excellence: The Raptor T1+ Paves the Way
The 2025 Dakar Rally also served as a showcase for the cutting-edge engineering behind the Ford Raptor T1+. Equipped with advanced FOX shocks and powered by a formidable Coyote-based 5.0 V8 engine, the Raptor T1+ demonstrated unmatched performance across the desert’s most grueling stages.
Matthew Wilson, Team Principal of Team Ford M-Sport, reflected on the team’s journey: “We faced some real highs and some real lows during this race. Losing Carlos early on was tough, as was Nani’s disappointment with his issues. But we rallied around Matthias and Mitch, and ultimately delivered a podium finish with two cars in the top five. For our first full outing with the Ford Raptor T1+, it’s a great start to the program. This has been an unforgettable experience, and now we focus on the upcoming Rally Raid season with renewed enthusiasm.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to FIA World Rally-Raid Championship
As Ford Performance celebrates its remarkable podium finish at the Dakar Rally, the team is already looking ahead to the next chapter in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship. With the lessons learned and the Raptor T1+ proving its dominance, fans and competitors alike can expect to see more victories, stage wins, and podium finishes from the Ford team throughout the 2025 season.
The Raptor T1+’s debut in the Dakar Rally marks the beginning of a new era for Ford Performance in the world of off-road racing. And with a podium finish on one of the toughest stages in motorsport, Team Ford M-Sport has set the stage for even greater achievements in the future.
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