Ford Performance to Make Its Return to Dakar Rally with Ranger T1+
Key Highlights :
Ford Performance is polishing its motorsport credentials and its return to the Dakar Rally is the latest in a series of announcements, including becoming an engine supplier to Red Bull's Formula One team and a return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Mustang GT3. The Ford Ranger T1+ will be the vehicle of choice for the team's first foray into the Dakar Rally, which is set to take place in 2024.
Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) and M-Sport, two of the world's leading motorsport teams, have been co-developing the Ranger T1+ for Ford Performance, which is based on the previous generation global Ranger. The vehicle is powered by a 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine and has been undergoing a series of development phases throughout 2023. Test races are expected to include Spain's Baja España Aragón and Morocco's Rally du Maroc in July and October, although drivers have yet to be named.
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports, said: "To lead the charge at one of the ultimate global off-road events – the Dakar Rally – has been our goal. We cannot underestimate the enormity of the challenge ahead of us." Malcolm Wilson, M-Sport managing director, added: "We've achieved great success over the years with Ford in FIA WRC rally racing and can't wait to apply this same level of focus, energy, and effort to competing with Ranger in Dakar."
Ford Performance's expectations for 2024 are modest, with it being described as a 'finish and learn process' with bigger ambitions set for 2025. It's yet to be clarified if the team, or indeed the Ranger, will retain all the same technical partners and mechanical architecture for the following year. However, Ford Performance is looking to make a big splash in the motorsport world with its return to the Dakar Rally, and the Ranger T1+ is sure to be a formidable force.
