Ford Performance has announced that Carlos Sainz Sr . and Nani Roma, two rally veterans, will be behind the wheel of the Ford Raptor in the 2025 edition of the Dakar.
Carlos Sainz, seeking his fifth victory in the Dakar, returns to Ford, the brand with which he began his career nearly four decades ago. Meanwhile, Nani Roma, who already has two Dakar titles, continues his collaboration with Ford and M-Sport after competing in 2024 with the Ford M-Sport T1+ Ranger.
The testing process for the Ford Raptor 2025 is already underway, with the team testing the endurance and capability of the vehicle under extreme conditions. Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsport, highlights the magnitude of this project and the importance of having a team of top-notch engineers, designers, and drivers.
Matthew Wilson, director of M-Sport and manager of the Dakar team, celebrates the return of Roma and the continuous learning that his experience brings to the team. He also highlights the positive influence of having Sainz back, not only for the team but also for the development of the vehicle.
As the tests progress, the contributions of Sainz and Roma are crucial for the refinement and advancement of the Raptor, proving that meticulous preparation could be key to successfully facing the tough stages of the Dakar. Ford hopes not only to compete but also to excel in one of the toughest terrains in the rally world.
