M-Sport Ford Rally Raid Team set for 2025 Dakar Rally
With the Ford Raptor T1+
The M-Sport Ford Rally Raid Team is set to compete in the 2025 Dakar Rally with the Ford Raptor T1+. Widely regarded as the ultimate endurance test, the Dakar Rally challenges drivers and machines across harsh and unpredictable terrains, pushing them to their limits. In January, M-Sport will field a formidable team of four highly skilled drivers, all eager to tackle the unforgiving dunes of Saudi Arabia.
M-Sport returns to the legendary event after a strong debut with the Ranger Raptor at the 2024 Dakar Rally. The 2025 rally will span 14 days and 12 stages, covering nearly 8,000km, starting in Bisha and concluding in Shubaytah. The course includes gruelling stages such as the intense 48-hour Chrono Stage and the Marathon Stage, designed to test the endurance of the drivers and the durability of their machines across Saudi Arabia’s merciless desert.
Carlos Sainz Sr., a four-time Dakar Rally champion and the reigning victor, is at the heart of M-Sport’s efforts. Sainz will be joined by co-driver Lucas Cruz, marking their return to M-Sport after 22 years. Having previously raced for the team in the World Rally Championship between 1996 and 2002, Sainz secured five rally wins and multiple podium finishes.
His recent debut in the Raptor T1+ at Rallye du Maroc saw Sainz claim M-Sport’s first Rally Raid stage win and his first stage victory with the team in over two decades. With a fifth Dakar victory firmly in his sights, ‘El Matador’ brings invaluable experience to the team and is one of the strongest contenders for the 2025 title.
Mattias Ekström, a two-time DTM champion and World Rallycross titleholder, and Emil Bergkvist, his co-driver, will join Sainz. Ekström, known for his versatile skills in rally, circuit racing, and off-road events, has Dakar experience dating back to 2021. His 2024 performance was impressive: He finished just 20 minutes behind Sainz before encountering setbacks.
Determined to fight for the podium in 2025, Ekström showed exceptional promise in the Raptor T1+ at Rallye du Maroc, where he moved from 91st place to overtake nearly 40 cars in the opening stage. His drive and resilience will make him a strong competitor in the coming rally.
Nani and Alex
Nani Roma, a two-time Dakar Rally champion, and his co-driver Alex Haro also return for M-Sport’s T1+ campaign after a strong debut in the 2024 Dakar. Roma’s transition from the Ranger Raptor to the Raptor T1+ was smooth, and he marked the vehicle’s first victory at The Hungarian Baja.
With his 28th Dakar Rally on the horizon, Roma is eager to build on his extensive experience and past victories. His deep knowledge of the desert terrain and lessons learned from the previous year will make him a serious contender for another win.
Completing M-Sport Ford’s impressive four-driver lineup is American off-road specialist Mitch Guthrie, partnered with co-driver Kellon Welch. Guthrie is a champion at the King of the Hammers and has won the Baja 1000 class, making him a seasoned competitor in short-course off-road racing and desert events.
With multiple stage wins in past Dakar rallies, Guthrie is poised to make a substantial impact in his T1+ debut. His extensive off-road experience will add a new dimension to the team’s line-up as he aims for a top finish in one of the world’s most challenging motorsport events.
Alongside these stellar drivers, M-Sport Ford has launched a new Raptor website. The new platform provides fans comprehensive details about the 2025 Dakar Rally, the team’s drivers, and the engineering behind the specially designed Raptor T1+. It aims to inform enthusiasts about the team’s journey and the advanced technologies driving their success.
With an experienced and talented driver line-up, M-Sport is ready for the 2025 Dakar Rally. The team’s combined expertise, determination, and the power of the Raptor T1+ will be key factors in their quest for success in this notoriously difficult event.
Hero image: The specially designed Raptor T1+ is set for the rigours of the 2025 Dakar Rally. Credit: M-Sport Ford Rally Raid Team
