RALLY DAKAR 2025

Raptor T1 Plus takes ultimate test to face the toughest off-road competition in the world

The next edition of the Dakar Rally, in January 2025 in Saudi Arabia, will feature Ford for the first time, developing a special pick-up, the Raptor T1 Plus, to face the toughest off-road competition in the world. The fourth video in the Journey to Dakar series shows the ultimate test of the vehicle and the team, racing in the Morocco Rally - see the video below.

As the objective of the Moroccan event was to learn, the team signed up for the so-called experimental class, competing in all stages, but without entering the official classification. The two Raptor T1 Plus were driven by Carlos Sainz Sr. and the new member of the team, the Swedish phenomenon Mattias Ekstrom.

Amidst hundreds of kilometers of dunes, riverbeds, mountains and rocks, in intense heat, the team faced no shortage of difficulties. From a flat tire and air conditioning failure to the rear suspension failure after Ekstrom crashed his Raptor into a large ditch, which also sent the co-driver to hospital - fortunately without serious consequences.

But the Rally of Morocco also brought the team's first taste of victory, with Carlos Sainz achieving the fastest time in the fourth stage. "The car is capable and I think all the work is going in the right direction. We just need to keep pushing and it will be very tight. But we have a good tool to keep working and fighting in the Dakar", celebrated 'El Matador', four-time Dakar champion and two-time world rally champion.Car dealerships nearby

Behind the scenes, it is clear the great respect the team has for the veteran driver. At 62 years of age, he shows impressive talent and determination, giving his teammates confidence in this challenge, as the time until the start of the Dakar grows ever shorter.

Autonews