Swedish racing driver Mattias Ekström, a talented racer in multiple series, has signed up to pilot the new Ford Raptor T1+ in the 2025 Dakar Rally.
Ekström is a motorsports veteran with titles in DTM, World Rallycross, and the unique Race of Champions. He’s also a proven driver rally raid events, including multiple appearances in the Dakar Rally.
He was confirmed as a driver for Ford’s Dakar program on Tuesday, alongside Mitch Guthrie Jr. They join previously announced drivers Nani Roma and Carlos Sainz Sr., father of current Ferrari Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr.
They will compete in the popular T1 class, which is open to non-production vehicles that meet FIA technical and safety standards. The vehicles typically feature tubular chassis and composite bodies.
Ford’s Raptor T1+ definitely fits this bill. The custom ride was developed in partnership with British motorsports and engineering company M-Sport, a leader in the development of rally machines, and features a version of the Coyote 5.0-liter V-8 used by Ford in multiple road cars and trucks.
Ford hasn’t released performance numbers for the engine, but said several modifications for the Dakar Rally were made, like the addition of dry-sump lubrication and a custom exhaust system.
The Dakar Rally is currently held in Saudi Arabia, but originally ran from Paris, France, to Dakar, Senegal, hence the name. Organizers moved the event to South America in 2009 due to fears of competitor safety, then to Saudi Arabia in 2020.
The 2025 rally runs Jan. 3-17, starting in Bisha and ending in Shubaytah. Like this year’s rally, which was won by Audi, the 2025 rally will have one extra-long stage (approximately 560 miles) in which drivers have to camp out over night in the desert.
