Ford Performance has completed its formidable four-car team for the Dakar 2025 with the addition of multi-disciplined Swedish driver Mattias Ekström. The accomplished racer, known for his success across various motorsport disciplines, including two DTM titles and an FIA World Rallycross Championship, joins seasoned Dakar veterans Carlos Sainz Sr, Nani Roma, and the newly announced Mitch Guthrie Jr in Ford’s ambitious campaign.
Ekström, who has competed in four previous Dakar rallies, expressed his excitement about joining the Ford team and working with M-Sport. “Ford and M-Sport have built a vehicle that looks, sounds, and drives awesome, and we all have a common ambition to win the Dakar Rally,” he said. The Swedish driver believes that his previous Dakar experience now equips him to seriously contend for the top spot, especially with the impressive support and expertise surrounding the Ford program.
“There is a lot of knowledge and experience in the team to back up the ambition – starting with Ford’s long motorsport heritage, M-Sport’s proven track record, and a very impressive driver line-up. I look forward to the first competitive outing with the Ford Raptor T1+ at Rally du Maroc and later at Dakar. I am in it to win it, and I hope we will have very successful and great years ahead of us,” Ekström added.
With such a strong and diverse driver line-up, Ford Performance is clearly aiming for Dakar glory, and Ekström’s versatility and winning mindset could be the perfect addition to their pursuit of victory.