The 2025 Dakar Rally is set to be a landmark event, as legendary rally driver Carlos Sainz Sr. returns to the prestigious race, this time with Ford. A multiple-time World Rally Champion (WRC) and two-time Dakar Rally winner, Sainz Sr. is aiming to add another Dakar title to his illustrious career. His participation in the 2025 Dakar Rally marks a significant moment in motorsport history, as it sees the reunion of Sainz with Ford, a manufacturer with which he has enjoyed previous success. This ambitious campaign will see Sainz behind the wheel of the Ford Raptor T1+, a cutting-edge vehicle developed specifically for the demanding challenges of the Dakar Rally.
In addition to Sainz, Ford has assembled an impressive four-driver team for the 2025 Dakar Rally, featuring some of the most talented off-road racers in the world. This team includes Sainz’s former Audi teammate Mattias Ekström, 2024 Dakar T3 class runner-up Mitch Guthrie Jr., and the legendary two-time Dakar winner Nani Roma. With such a formidable lineup, Ford’s 2025 Dakar Rally campaign is poised to be one of the most exciting and competitive in recent history.
The 2025 Dakar Rally: A New Challenge for Carlos Sainz Sr.
The Dakar Rally is widely regarded as the ultimate test of endurance in the world of motorsport. Spanning thousands of kilometers of desert terrain, rocky landscapes, and unpredictable weather conditions, the Dakar is a brutal challenge that demands not only incredible physical and mental strength from its participants but also the technical excellence of the machines they drive. For Carlos Sainz Sr., the 2025 Dakar Rally will be a chance to further cement his legacy in one of the most prestigious events in motorsport.
Carlos Sainz Sr. has long been a dominant figure in off-road racing. He first won the Dakar Rally in 2010, and his second victory came in 2018, both with the Peugeot team. His decision to join Ford for the 2025 edition of the race marks an exciting new chapter in his storied career. Known for his tactical brilliance, relentless work ethic, and exceptional driving skills, Sainz is one of the most experienced and successful drivers to ever compete in the Dakar Rally.
Sainz’s pursuit of the 2025 Dakar Rally title will be supported by the Ford Raptor T1+, an advanced off-road machine built for the extreme conditions of the rally. The Raptor T1+ is the result of collaboration between Ford Performance and M-Sport, a partnership that has brought together the engineering expertise of two leading names in motorsport. Together, they have developed a vehicle that blends durability, power, and cutting-edge technology—key ingredients for success in the grueling Dakar race.
The Ford Raptor T1+: A Beast Built for the Dakar
One of the key elements in Carlos Sainz Sr.’s quest for the 2025 Dakar Rally title is the Ford Raptor T1+. This state-of-the-art vehicle is purpose-built for the demands of the Dakar Rally, featuring an array of innovative technologies and components that give it a competitive edge in the harshest desert environments.
At the heart of the Ford Raptor T1+ is the Coyote-based V8 engine, a powerhouse designed to provide the strength and reliability needed for the demanding race. The engine delivers an impressive amount of power, ensuring that the vehicle can tackle the steep dunes and rocky paths that are characteristic of the Dakar Rally. This powerful engine is complemented by an advanced Fox suspension system that provides superior shock absorption and handling on the rough terrain. The suspension system, combined with up to 350 mm of wheel travel, allows the Raptor T1+ to maintain high-speed stability even on the most treacherous surfaces.
The Ford Raptor T1+ is built with a lightweight and durable chassis, which is crucial for handling the extreme conditions of the desert. The vehicle’s ability to absorb impacts while maintaining speed and stability makes it ideal for the unpredictable terrain of the Dakar Rally. The Raptor T1+ is also designed for ease of maintenance in the field, ensuring that it remains operational even in the most remote locations.
Ford’s decision to enter the 2025 Dakar Rally with such an advanced vehicle is a clear indication of the company’s commitment to motorsport and its desire to showcase the durability, power, and technical innovation that Ford Performance is known for.
Ford’s Impressive Driver Line-Up for the 2025 Dakar Rally
Carlos Sainz Sr. will not be alone in his quest for the 2025 Dakar Rally title. Ford has assembled a strong four-man team that includes some of the best off-road drivers in the world. The team will include Sainz, his former Audi teammate Mattias Ekström, Mitch Guthrie Jr., who finished as the runner-up in the 2024 Dakar T3 class, and Nani Roma, a two-time Dakar Rally winner.
Mattias Ekström, a renowned Swedish driver, is no stranger to the Dakar Rally. Having competed in several editions of the event, Ekström brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team. His partnership with Sainz Sr. from their time together at Audi adds an element of familiarity and synergy, which could prove invaluable in the 2025 edition of the Dakar.
Mitch Guthrie Jr. is another key addition to Ford’s team. Although relatively young, Guthrie has already made a name for himself in the off-road racing world. His impressive performance in the 2024 Dakar T3 class, where he finished as the runner-up, has made him one of the rising stars of the sport. His versatility and determination make him a valuable asset to the team.
Finally, Nani Roma, a veteran of the Dakar Rally, will bring his two Dakar victories and extensive experience to Ford’s lineup. Roma’s expertise in navigating the Dakar’s difficult terrain and his calm under pressure will make him an essential part of the team’s efforts to claim the 2025 title.
Together, this four-driver team will represent Ford’s commitment to success in the Dakar Rally and their desire to showcase the performance and capabilities of the Ford Raptor T1+.
The 2025 Dakar Rally: A Test of Endurance and Innovation
The 2025 Dakar Rally will not be just another race for Carlos Sainz Sr. It is a significant test of endurance, both for the drivers and for the machines they drive. With the challenging 48 Hours of Chrono and the grueling finish in the Empty Quarter, the 2025 Dakar Rally promises to push both the vehicles and drivers to their limits.
Matthew Wilson, M-Sport’s programme director, emphasized the importance of preparation for this year’s Dakar, highlighting the rigorous testing and preparation that the team has undergone in the lead-up to the event. “We have a fantastic driver line-up and the experience gained from both testing and the Rallye Du Maroc in October has prepared us well for this huge challenge,” Wilson said. “The 2025 Dakar will certainly be a true test of endurance.”
The rally’s route, which includes some of the most difficult terrain in the world, will challenge every aspect of the Ford Raptor T1+ and its drivers. From navigating treacherous sand dunes to enduring extreme heat and fatigue, the Dakar Rally is a race where every decision matters and every mistake can be costly. For Carlos Sainz Sr. and his team, the 2025 Dakar Rally will be a chance to showcase not only their individual skills but also the performance and durability of the Ford Raptor T1+.
Looking Ahead: Carlos Sainz Sr.’s Pursuit of Glory in the 2025 Dakar Rally
As Carlos Sainz Sr. prepares for the 2025 Dakar Rally, his legacy in motorsport is already firmly established. With multiple victories in both the World Rally Championship and the Dakar Rally, Sainz’s career has been one of extraordinary success. The 2025 Dakar Rally, however, represents a new challenge and a new opportunity for Sainz to prove himself once again on the world’s toughest off-road stage.
With a strong and experienced team, an advanced vehicle in the Ford Raptor T1+, and the determination to succeed, Carlos Sainz Sr. is well-positioned to fight for the 2025 Dakar Rally title. As the race approaches, all eyes will be on Sainz and Ford, and fans around the world will be watching as they take on the most grueling test of endurance in motorsport. For Sainz, the 2025 Dakar Rally is more than just a race—it is the next step in his quest for glory in the world of off-road racing.
