Four-time Dakar winner and rally legend Carlos Sainz will drive the Ford Raptor T1+ in the 2025 Dakar Rally.
Ford is all set to to make its Dakar rally debut next year with the Raptor T1+. This specially-prepared Raptor was revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and will be raced for the first time later this year.
- Ford to make Dakar debut next year, in the T1+ category
- Carlos Sainz, Nani Roma confirmed to drive
- Raptor T1+ gets 5.0-litre Coyote-based V8
Carlos Sainz’ new Dakar challenger
Ford will field four trucks in the rally in January 2025. One of these will be driven by four-time Dakar winner and rally legend Carlos Sainz, while another one will be piloted by Nani Roma, one of only three racers in Dakar history to have won on two and four wheels. The names of the remaining two drivers will be announced later this year.
The Raptor T1+ is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine, based on the popular Coyote, fitted with a dry-sump oil system. Ford hasn’t revealed performance details as of now, but has confirmed the off-roader has a minimum weight of 2,010kg, a width of 2,300mm and a ground clearance of 400mm.
The truck itself is built in collaboration with long-time Ford partner M-Sport. It features a front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension built by Fox.
Ford Raptor T1+ to make competitive debut at Baja Hungary
To prepare for its Dakar debut, Ford is sending one Raptor T1+ to the 2024 Baja Hungary from August 8-10. Subsequently, two crews will participate in the 2024 Rallye du Maroc from October 4-11. The rally is renowned for mirroring the tough conditions of Dakar, and will serve as the final testing ground for the Ford Raptor T1+.
“Taking on such a demanding race like Dakar is a daunting task for all of us at Ford Performance, but we have never shirked a challenge,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports.
“The Ford Raptor T1+ is a stake in the ground for our global off-road vision. We want to take on the best and prove ourselves in the toughest places on earth. The lessons we are learning from Raptor T1+, along with competing with stock trucks in Baja 1000 and Finke Desert Race, will help make Raptor vehicles even better for our customers,” he added.
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