Ford Performance is stepping up its off-road game with a two-vehicle entry at the 2024 Rallye du Maroc, the final major test before the legendary Dakar Rally. The team will be led by a powerhouse lineup, including two of the sport’s most accomplished drivers, Mattias Ekström and Carlos Sainz Sr., as they prepare for the 2025 Dakar.

Ekström, a former WRX champion, and Sainz, a four-time Dakar victor, will tackle the Moroccan desert in Ford’s new Raptor T1+, a purpose-built rally raid vehicle developed in partnership with M-Sport. The team is aiming to maximize performance and fine-tune the Raptor’s capabilities ahead of the Dakar, where endurance, power, and reliability are key. American off-road driver Mitch Guthrie Jr. and two-time Dakar winner Nani Roma will also be part of Ford’s Dakar roster. With such a blend of seasoned veterans and rising talents, Ford is building a formidable team for the world’s most challenging rally.

Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, emphasized the importance of Rallye du Maroc as a crucial pre-Dakar test. “Our goal has always been to build a diverse and powerful team,” said Rushbrook. “With the additions of Mattias and Mitch, we’ve achieved that. The Rallye du Maroc is our last chance before Dakar to push both the team and the Raptor T1+ to their limits.”

The Ford Raptor T1+ boasts advanced off-road engineering with a front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension, featuring three-way and four-way adjustable external bypass dampers from Fox, providing top-tier handling and durability in extreme conditions. It sits on 8.5-inch by 17-inch aluminum wheels with 37-inch tires, paired with 355mm Alcon ventilated discs and six-piston monoblock calipers, offering up to 350mm of wheel travel for maximum off-road capability.

Powered by a 5.0L Coyote-based V8 engine, the Raptor T1+ delivers impressive torque and power to conquer tough terrains, equipped with a dry-sump oil system and a tuned exhaust for Dakar-level challenges. Built with a T45 steel spaceframe and carbon fiber body panels, the vehicle features Ford’s signature Raptor aesthetics, including a 400mm ground clearance, a wide stance for improved stability, and a striking grille with FORD spelled across the front. With a minimum weight of 2,010kg, a 2,300mm width, and an approach angle of over 70°, the Raptor T1+ is designed for extreme off-road performance.

The vehicle’s first competition outing at the Hungarian Baja in August saw the Raptor T1+ post the fastest overall time, further showcasing its capabilities.

Matthew Wilson, M-Sport’s program director, noted that the Rallye du Maroc will be critical for the vehicle’s development ahead of Dakar. “The experience gained here will be essential as we continue to refine the truck for Dakar 2025,” he said.

The 2024 Rallye du Maroc, scheduled for October 4-11, is a key event in the rally raid calendar, offering a final opportunity for the team to test their equipment and strategy in one of the harshest environments on earth. With drivers like Ekström and Sainz behind the wheel, Ford Performance is gearing up to make a serious impact when the Dakar Rally begins in 2025.