The 2025 Dakar Rally once again proved why it is one of the most challenging off-road endurance races. For Ford Performance, the event was a rollercoaster, as Dakar typically can be. But, at the finish line, driver Mattias Ekstrom, driving the T1+ Ford Raptor along with navigator Emil Bergkvist, took the Bronze. This podium finish marks a significant achievement for the team, and for Ford Performance and their engineering partner M-Sport.
The Ford Performance Lineup and Finishing Positions
Ford Performance fielded four T1+ class teams in the 2025 Dakar Rally, each piloting the highly capable Ford T1+ Raptor, built specifically to conquer the grueling desert terrain. This turned out to be a competitive class with over 40 entries and each day was a nailbiter. Here’s how the teams fared:
Team 226, Mattias Enkstrom & Emil Bergkvist– 3rd Place Enkstrom delivered consistent performances throughout the rally, securing several top five stage finishes and demonstrating the Raptor’s durability and speed.
Team 228, Mitch Guthrie & Kellon Walch – 5th Place Known for his aggressive driving style, Guthrie pushed hard and claimed two stage wins. Despite minor mechanical setbacks, he maintained a strong pace to finish in the top five.
Team 227, Nani Roma & Alex Haro – 31st Place The Dakar veteran suffered mechanical issues early in the competition, resulting in time penalties that effectively put him out of the race. Never one to admit defeat; however, Nani went on to take a Stage 10 win, his 26th stage win ever in Dakar.
Team 225, Carlos Sainz & Lucas Cruz – (DNF) Did Not Finish Seitz’s campaign was cut short by a dramatic rollover during the 48hr Marathon Stage. The incident caused extensive damage to the point that it could impact safety, which forced him to withdraw from the competition.
Carlos Sainz’s Early Exit
Carlos Sainz started the rally with high hopes, and was a fan favorite, demonstrating competitive speed in the opening stages. However, his rally ended abruptly during the Marathon Stage due to a rollover. The incident occurred on a sharp dune descent, and in spite of a remarkable recovery effort by teammate Mitch Guthrie to get him back on his wheels, and with only a few minutes delay, the roll cage’s structural integrity was determined to be compromised. Though Seitz and Lucas Cruz fought on to finish the stage, safety regulations mandated the team’s withdrawal.
Two Stage Wins by Ford Performance Teams
Ford Performance teams showcased their competitiveness across various stages:
Stage 10-Nani Roma –Roma’s strategic approach paid off and he won by eighteen seconds, precise navigation and vehicle preservation were key.
Stage 11-Mattias Enkstrom –Enkstrom capped off his stellar campaign with a commanding performance late in the Rally, solidifying his third-place overall finish.
The Road Ahead
Matthew Wilson, Team Principle, Team Ford M-Sport commented, “Losing Carlos so early on in the race and the bitter disappointment for Nani with his issues, was tough for the team but we rallied around Matthias and Mitch and ultimately delivered a podium and two cars in the top five which, in our first full outing with the Ford Raptor T1+, is a great start to the whole program. It’s been a hell of an experience – the team has been incredible over the last three weeks but now we focus on the rest of the Rally Raid season ahead with renewed enthusiasm and confidence.”
As the team regroups and prepares for upcoming challenges, Ford Performance’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of off-road racing remains unwavering. With a talented roster of drivers and cutting-edge vehicles, the future looks bright for Ford in the Dakar Rally and beyond.
Congratulations to the 2025 Ford Performance Dakar Teams, it was fun following the action and cheering along. If you missed out on the action, you can still watch highlights of YouTube and see the struggles and triumphs the teams went through just to finish this year’s very challenging Dakar.
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