Dakar 2025 Guide: Everything you need to know

Dakar 2025 is already in the spotlight teams and fans of the most demanding rally in the world. This edition promises to be one of the most exciting and tough, at least according to David Castera, the head and director of the organization of the legendary event that has been held for years in Saudi Arabia.

In general terms, it should be noted that in the car category there will be four brands competing for the Touareg trophy (Ford, Dacia, Mini and Toyota) and that the current champions, Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz, will make their debut in the team that the blue oval brand has designed together with the British team M Sport.

Ford, a dream team to conquer the desert

Ford Performance will compete with four units of the advanced Ford Raptor T1+, a vehicle inspired by the Ranger Raptor and designed specifically to overcome the harsh terrain of the Dakar. The cars have undergone months of intense testing in different environments, including tracks in Spain, French y Morocco, an effort that reflects Ford's ambitious commitment to excel in one of the most demanding competitions in motorsport. Specifically, the project will last at least three years.

Among the most prominent names behind the wheel are Carlos Sainz and his co-pilot luke cross, who will bring their vast experience to the team. Sainz, winner of four editions of the Dakar, returns full of ambition after a fruitful period in different manufacturers. Also in the ranks of Ford will be Nani Roma, Mattias Ekström and Mitch Guthrie.

Ford Raptor T1+, cutting-edge technology and design

El Ford Raptor T1+ It is not just any car; as Sainz himself says, it is an offroad Formula 1 that combines an impressive aerodynamic design with the latest in off-road engineering. With a 8-liter V5.0 engine (the famous Coyote) that generates 360 horsepower and an advanced Fox suspension designed to absorb extreme impacts, this car is ready for any challenge. In addition, its T45 steel chassis and carbon fiber panels guarantee strength without compromising speed.

The design also considers details such as a minimum height from the ground of 400 mm, specialized tires BFGoodrich and high performance brakes Alcon, designed to maintain control even in the most demanding stages.

A comprehensive preparation schedule

Since the beginning of 2024, the team Ford Performance has worked tirelessly to optimize the performance of its vehicles and its drivers. The first tests were carried out on tracks near Cockermouth, United Kingdom, and continued through the challenging Spanish and African landscapes. Each kilometre covered has been key to identifying areas for improvement and fine-tuning race strategies.

One of the highlights in the development of the Ford Raptor T1+ It was his official debut in the Goodwood Festival of Speed, an event where it was presented to fans with great success. The car subsequently proved its worth in international competitions such as the Lower Hungary, where he obtained an absolute victory, and the Morocco Rally, which served as a dress rehearsal for the Dakar and where some stages were even won.

Dacia and Toyota, main rivals

This year Dacia inherits the configuration of the previous Hunter, a very competitive car, and a squad also loaded with talent with people like Sébastien Loeb, Nasser Al-Attiyah and Cristina Gutiérrez, while Toyota GR will participate with its iconic Hilux V6 and drivers of the stature of Giniel de Villiers, Lucas Moraes and Seth Quintero, among others.

An epic challenge in Saudi Arabia

El Dakar 2025 will be disputed from 3 al 17 January in Saudi Arabia, traveling through extreme landscapes full of dunes, rocks and unpredictable terrain. The departure will be in Beast and the final goal in Shubaytah, with a day of rest scheduled for January 10 en Hail. This edition will include marathon stages (practically at the beginning) of 48 hours without assistance, which will test not only the vehicles, but also the technical teams and drivers.

From here we command all the luck of the world to our Spanish pilots!

Images | Ford and Dacia