Ford Raptor T1+ Achieves Podium Finish in 2025 Dakar Rally Debut
Ford Performance today marked a triumphant end to the 2025 Dakar Rally by clinching a third-place podium finish in the Ultimate category, with the Ford Raptor T1+ in its debut year. Over two weeks of intense competition across some of the world's most unforgiving terrains, Team Ford M-Sport showcased remarkable skill, endurance, and teamwork in the Saudi Arabian desert.
Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist secured third place overall, rounding off their campaign with a decisive victory in Stage 11 in the Empty Quarter. The duo established a formidable pact, achieving a second-place finish in the Prologue, a mere second behind the leader, and third in Stage 5. Ekström continued to impress with a second-place finish in Stage 7, followed by Mitch Guthrie Jr., who finished third and later achieved an impressive fifth place, demonstrating maturity and enhancing his Dakar experience. Nani Roma also claimed a stage victory, proving the competitive edge of the Ford Raptor T1+ on the global stage.
"We are incredibly proud of our ability to compete at the forefront, demonstrating both speed and consistency," stated Mattias Ekström. "The performance of the Ford Raptor T1+ has been consistently strong throughout this gruelling race. I am eager to return next year and vie for the top spot."
This year's rally was notably challenging. The 48-hour chrono and Marathon stages tested the competitors in the first half, and the daunting Empty Quarter challenged them in the later stages. The rally also featured remarkable performances from Carlos Sainz Sr., Mitch Guthrie Jr., and Nani Roma. Sainz, along with co-driver Lucas Cruz and support from Guthrie, staged a dramatic comeback during the 48-hour chrono stage after an early setback, exemplifying the 'Built Ford Tough' spirit.
Nani Roma orchestrated a stunning Stage 10 victory, mastering challenging dunes to outpace his rivals. This win marked his and Team Ford M-Sport's first stage victory in ten years, highlighting the depth of talent within the team and the Raptor T1+'s capacity to excel in extreme conditions.
Mitch Guthrie Jr., competing in his first Dakar Rally in the Ultimate class and as one of the few Americans, performed exceptionally, navigating the rally cleanly and swiftly with co-driver Kellon Walch to finish fifth overall.
"The Dakar Rally presents a unique motorsport challenge, and our team excelled this year," said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance. "Mattias, Carlos, Mitch, Nani, and the entire team have demonstrated the capability of the Ford Raptor T1+ and the resilience that defines Ford. This rally will certainly be remembered, and I am extremely proud of our team's performance. The Raptor's speed and durability have been proven in the toughest conditions, and we look forward to competing in the rest of the FIA World Rally Raid Championship."
The 2025 Dakar Rally also showcased the advanced engineering of the Ford Raptor T1+, a vehicle designed to dominate severe off-road environments. Equipped with exclusive FOX shocks and a powerful Coyote-based 5.0 V8 engine, the Raptor T1+ performed excellently across the 12 days of competition.
"We've experienced significant highs and lows during this remarkable race," reflected Matthew Wilson, Team Principal at Team Ford M-Sport. "Despite early setbacks and challenges, we rallied behind Matthias and Mitch, achieving a podium finish and placing two cars in the top five in our first full outing with the Ford Raptor T1+, a tremendous start to our programme. The team has been exceptional over these three weeks, and we now turn our focus to the upcoming Rally Raid season with renewed confidence and enthusiasm."
As Ford Performance celebrates this significant achievement, the team anticipates the upcoming FIA World Rally-Raid Championship season, where the Raptor T1+ will undoubtedly be a highlight.