PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 01 October 2024 – Ford Performance is proud to announce the latest addition to its Dakar Rally team: world-renowned rally and off-road driver, Mattias Ekström. The Swedish motorsport star will join the prestigious lineup of Mitch Guthrie Jr, Nani Roma, and Carlos Sainz Sr, all set to pilot the formidable Ford Raptor T1+ in the grueling 2025 Dakar Rally. Ekström, a two-time DTM champion, World Rallycross champion, and seasoned rally raid competitor, is no stranger to success across a variety of motorsport disciplines. His signing completes Ford’s elite roster for one of the toughest motorsport challenges on the planet.
Ekström’s arrival signals Ford’s growing ambitions in rally raid competition, particularly in the iconic Dakar Rally. Known for his versatility and experience, Ekström brings a wealth of expertise, having already competed in multiple Dakar Rallies and excelled in rally raid events. His extensive background in rally and off-road racing positions him as a key player in Ford’s bid to secure a victory in the T1 category.
Ford Performance’s Global Director, Mark Rushbrook, expressed excitement about the addition of Ekström:
“Bringing Mattias Ekström into the Ford Performance family is a big step forward for our Dakar program. Mattias brings a wealth of experience in rally and off-road racing, and his skills add to a formidable team in the Ford Raptor T1+. The Dakar Rally is a test like no other, but we’re confident in our lineup.”
Ekström’s First Competitive Outing with Ford
Ekström’s journey with Ford Performance begins at the 2024 Rally du Maroc, where he will make his competitive debut with the team in preparation for Dakar 2025. The Rally du Maroc serves as a key testing ground, giving Ekström the opportunity to familiarize himself with the Ford Raptor T1+ and its advanced off-road capabilities. The vehicle, developed in collaboration with M-Sport, has already proven its mettle in numerous rally raid competitions, but the addition of Ekström’s expertise is expected to elevate the team’s performance.
Matthew Wilson of M-Sport echoed the enthusiasm for Ekström’s arrival, emphasizing his strong track record across various motorsport categories:
“We have followed Mattias’ career for a long time, from his DTM days to the FIA World Rallycross, and now the Dakar Rally. He has shown fantastic speed and ability in all forms of motorsport and his performances in off-road racing have been no different. We are really looking forward to working with him and his co-driver Emil, who both will bring with them a vast array of experience.”
Aiming for Dakar Glory
Ekström, eager to tackle Dakar alongside his seasoned co-driver Emil Bergkvist, has his sights firmly set on victory. He commented on his new venture with Ford, noting the impressive capabilities of the Raptor T1+ and the team’s shared ambition:
“Joining the Ford Dakar program is really exciting for me. Ford and M-Sport have built a vehicle that looks, sounds, and drives awesome, and we all have a common ambition to win the Dakar Rally. I have had four tries at Dakar so far, and now I can say that I have some experience to be able to aim for the top.”
With Ford’s extensive motorsport heritage, the expertise of M-Sport, and a strong driver lineup that includes legends like Carlos Sainz Sr and Nani Roma, the team is well-positioned for a competitive push at Dakar 2025. Ekström’s vast experience, combined with the technical prowess of Ford’s engineers, promises a formidable entry into the world’s most challenging rally raid.
Ford’s Commitment to Off-Road Motorsport
Ford Performance has long been committed to proving its off-road prowess, with entries in high-profile competitions such as the Baja 1000 and the Tatts-Finke Desert Race. The Dakar Rally represents the pinnacle of rally raid racing, and Ford’s decision to field the Raptor T1+ underlines the company’s ambition to solidify its dominance in off-road motorsport. With the addition of Ekström, Ford Performance is preparing for its biggest challenge yet, and the team is poised to make a strong statement in 2025.
As Ekström himself puts it:
“I am in it to win it, and I hope we will have very successful and great years ahead of us. I will do everything in my power to make it happen.”
The road to Dakar 2025 is filled with challenges, but with Mattias Ekström behind the wheel of the Ford Raptor T1+, Ford Performance is ready to take on the world’s toughest motorsport event and aim for glory.
