Rallye du Maroc: The Final Road to Dakar
Every race tells a story. At Ford, our story in rally raid has always been one of ambition, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. With every stage, every kilometer of dust and sand, we build not just cars but a legacy of innovation, endurance, and human determination. Rallye du Maroc, taking place October 10–17 in the unforgiving Sahara, represents the next vital chapter in that journey. It is more than a race; it is a proving ground where preparation meets reality, and where lessons forged in past battles are put to the ultimate test.
For our team, this event is more than just another stop on the calendar. It is the final, full measure of readiness before Dakar 2026 — the race that defines the very essence of rally raid. Rallye du Maroc is where everything converges: the experience of our seasoned champions, the hunger of rising stars, and the tireless work of engineers and designers who reimagine what’s possible with every iteration of the Raptor T1+.
The Drivers: Strength Across Generations
At the heart of our effort are four extraordinary drivers, each bringing something unique to the table. Carlos Sainz Sr., a legend of motorsport, carries with him decades of rally raid knowledge and the unshakable instincts of a champion. Alongside him stands Nani Roma, another veteran whose wisdom has been shaped by countless races across some of the toughest terrains on earth.
Together, Carlos and Nani provide a foundation of experience that cannot be measured by trophies alone. They bring clarity in moments of chaos and an understanding of rally raid that comes only from years of living it.
In contrast, Mattias Ekström represents versatility, discipline, and laser focus. His ability to adapt, whether across rallycross, touring cars, or desert dunes, makes him a vital force within the team. His podium finish in Dakar earlier this year was not just a milestone but a statement of what lies ahead.
And then there is Mitch Guthrie Jr., the youngest of the group, who symbolizes the energy and hunger of a new generation. His pace, aggression, and willingness to push the boundaries keep the team sharp, reminding us that the future of rally raid belongs to those bold enough to take risks.
Together, these four drivers embody the spirit of Ford Racing — a collective will to push forward, to embrace challenge, and to carry total commitment into every stage. Watching them test, train, and prepare makes one truth clear: rally raid demands nothing less than everything.
The Raptor T1+: A Machine Born of Lessons
Alongside the drivers, our machine itself tells its own story. The Ford Raptor T1+ we bring to Morocco is the result of relentless refinement, designed to match the brutal demands of desert racing. Its redesigned bodywork, sharper and leaner, sheds nearly 50 kilograms compared to its previous form, offering a cleaner aerodynamic profile for greater speed and control.
Innovation defines every detail. Gullwing doors replace the original butterfly design, offering quicker, more practical entry and exit. Traditional mirrors give way to rearview cameras, expanding visibility where seconds count. The glass windshield is replaced with polycarbonate laminate, stronger, lighter, and clearer through blinding dust clouds. These changes are not abstract engineering feats — they are lessons translated directly from the track, each one a response to challenges encountered in the heat of competition.
Earlier this year at Dakar, Mattias Ekström placed the Raptor T1+ on the podium, while the team celebrated two stage victories that highlighted both driver skill and technical strength. The ongoing 2025 W2RC season has reinforced our progress, proving what is possible when people and machines achieve perfect synergy. Rallye du Maroc now offers the ultimate chance to refine, adapt, and enter Dakar with full conviction.
Racing as the Heart of Ford
For Ford, racing is never just about competition. It is a driver of innovation, a test bed for endurance, and a mirror reflecting the qualities that define us. Off-road racing, in particular, embodies values at the core of our brand: toughness, durability, and capability. These qualities are not abstract marketing terms — they are born in the heat of competition, in the dunes of Morocco, and on the unforgiving stages of Dakar.
Dakar itself is often called the world’s harshest laboratory. It is where machines are pushed beyond limits and where only the strongest combinations of man and machine endure. What we learn there does not remain confined to the racetrack. Instead, it flows directly into the DNA of the Ford Raptor vehicles our customers drive every day. The durability of components, the efficiency of design, and the performance under pressure — all are informed by the crucible of rally raid competition.
The Road Ahead
As we prepare to take on Rallye du Maroc, we do so with humility and determination. This race is not just another checkpoint on the road to Dakar 2026; it is a decisive test of everything we have built so far. Every refinement, every lesson, and every ounce of commitment will be put to trial under the harsh sun and endless sands of Morocco.
At Ford Racing, we believe every story in rally raid adds to a greater legacy. Morocco is the next chapter, Dakar the ultimate goal. And with our drivers, our team, and the Raptor T1+ standing ready, we are prepared to write this story with courage, endurance, and innovation at its core.
