Ford Reveals Raptor T1+ at Goodwood Festival of Speed for 2023 Dakar Entry

Alex Harrington | Jul 12, 2024

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The unveiling of Ford's Raptor T1+ at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed marks a bold stride into the future of rally racing, with the vehicle set to contend in the daunting 2025 Dakar Rally season. Developed in collaboration with M-Sport and enriched by insights from prior Dakar experience, this machine is not just a car; it's a testament to Ford’s robust ambitions in motorsports, aiming for a victory that has been meticulously crafted and rigorously tested.

The Raptor T1+ is a masterclass in engineering, shaped by Ford's partnership with M-Sport to incorporate pivotal technical enhancements. After enduring 10,000 kilometers of punishing test drives, the vehicle is prepared to undergo further evaluations at the Baja Hungary in August 2024, followed by the Rally of Morocco in October, ensuring that it is battle-ready for Dakar 2025.

A technical wonder, the T1+ boasts an advanced 5.0-liter V8 engine based on the Coyote model, re-engineered with a bespoke dry sump oiling system and a specially tuned exhaust to tackle the rigorous demands of Dakar's varied terrains. Its structural integrity is reinforced with T45 steel and lightweight carbon fiber body panels, ensuring agility and resilience. The independent double wishbone suspension, equipped with state-of-the-art shock absorbers by Fox, promises unmatched control and stability over the unforgiving sands and rocks of the rally route.

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The vehicle’s aggressive design complements its rugged functionality, constructed to conquer the extreme challenges of off-road racing. The aesthetics are as formidable as its performance capabilities, designed to intimidate and perform in equal measure.

The driver lineup for this ambitious project includes rally legends Carlos Sainz Sr. with navigator Lucasrix, alongside Nani Roma and Alex Haro, with additional teams slated for announcement by the end of the year. This formidable team combination underscores Ford’s commitment to not merely compete but dominate.

Mark Rushbrook, Global Director at Ford Performance Motorsports, encapsulates the spirit of this venture.

“Ford wants to try to win the Dakar in 2025," he said. "Taking on a race as demanding as the Dakar is a tall order for all of us at Ford Performance, but we’ve never shied away from a challenge. To embrace this challenge, we’ve partnered with the world’s best with M-Sport and Red Bull, and I think that shows how seriously we’re taking this project. The Ford Raptor T1+ is a cornerstone of our global off-road vision. We want to take on the best and prove ourselves in the toughest places on earth. The lessons we’re learning from the Raptor T1+ will help make Raptor vehicles even better for our customers.”

As the Raptor T1+ gears up for its competitive debut, its journey can be followed through extensive coverage on Rally TV available on DAZN.

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