M-Sport Ford has hailed a “great start” to its factory programme in cross-country rallying after Mattias Ekstrom finished on the podium in the 2025 Dakar Rally.
Having already tested the waters in 2024 with an existing NWM-built prototype, Ford made its full-fledged entry into Dakar this year with a four-car effort run in conjunction with its WRC partner M-Sport.
Although the early exit of star driver Carlos Sainz Sr dealt a major blow, with Nani Roma’s troubles adding to its pain, Ekstrom carried the flag for Ford to finish third behind the Toyotas of Yazeed Al-Rajhi and Henk Lategan.
Ekstrom’s team-mate Mitch Guthrie Jr also exceeded the expectations on his debut in the Ultimate class, finishing two spots behind him in fifth to bring double delight to the American marque.
The Ford Raptor particularly shone in the closing stages of the two-week marathon, with Roma winning Stage 10 and Ekstrom topping the times on the penultimate day.
Although Ford’s ultimate target is to claim an outright victory in the world’s biggest rally-raid, a podium on its debut showed that its latest motorsport venture is on the right track, according to the team.
“We have had some real highs and some real lows during this incredible race,” said Matthew Wilson, team principal of M-Sport Ford.
“Losing Carlos so early on in the race and the bitter disappointment for Nani with his issues was tough for the team, but we rallied around Mattias and Mitch and ultimately delivered a podium and two cars in the top five which, in our first full outing with the Ford Raptor T1+, is a great start to the whole programme.
“It’s been a hell of an experience – the team has been incredible over the last three weeks but now we focus on the rest of the Rally Raid season ahead with renewed enthusiasm and confidence.”
Ekstrom’s third-place was also significant because it ensured Ford outclassed Dacia in the battle between the two newcomers in Dakar.
The Swede beat the lead Dacia Sandrider of five-time Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah by just under three minutes, while Guthrie Jr's consistency meant that there were two Ford drivers standing at the finish.
“We can be very proud as a team that we were able to fight at the front and show good pace and great consistency,” said former Audi star Ekstrom.
“The quality of the Ford Raptor has been so good throughout this incredibly tough race. Now I am looking forward to coming back next year and pushing for the overall win.”
