In addition to Formula 1, Ford is also committed to the Dakar Rally
After the announcement of its return to Formula 1 as part of a partnership with Red Bull for the design of the next generation of engines in 2026, the American manufacturer has announced its official arrival in the world's biggest rally-raid event.
Ford declares its big comeback in global motorsport competitions. Announced with great fanfare at the beginning of the year, the arrival of the blue oval in Formula 1 from 2026 was actually just one part of Detroit’s brand new investment in motorsport.
This is how Ford will make its official debut at the Dakar starting from the next edition in 2024. In collaboration with Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) and their long-standing partner in the World Rally Championship, M-Sport, Ford is currently developing a Ranger that will compete in the T1+ category, the premier category in the Dakar.
Facing them, Ford and M-Sport will reunite with Toyota, with whom they are already battling in the WRC, as well as Audi, who is seeking to establish a hybrid prototype in the Dakar since their arrival in 2022. As for the Ford Ranger T1+, it will be powered by a 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine.
Mark Rushbrook, General Manager of Ford Performance, outlined the ambitions for the upcoming Dakar: « We know that it is a large-scale undertaking. Neil Woolridge Motorsport already has a car based on the previous generation Raptor, and we will be using it to compete in the Dakar in January 2024. It’s a real test that will help us understand what it takes to succeed. The other part of the learning experience involves logistics and execution. Going there in 2024 will allow us to learn about logistics, the bivouac, transportation, and what is needed for assistance trucks… »
One year to learn and the next one to go for victory, that’s the plan established by Ford on Dakar: « In 2024, our objectives will therefore be to finish the race and learn. In parallel with the tests and preparation of the past months, we have started designing a brand new car. Our project is to test it in early 2024, and then develop it until 2025 to try to win. »
Join us from January 5th to January 19th to follow the Dakar 2024 on MotorsInside!
