Ford has a long history of success in motorsports, but they have never participated as a factory-backed team in the Dakar, the toughest off-road race in the world. However, that is set to change next year as Ford Performance announces their entry into the Dakar Race with a new Ranger Raptor in the top-tier T1+ category.

Mark Rushbrook, the global director at Ford Performance Motorsports, explained that while there was a Ford South Africa effort in 2014, this time they will be going as a factory team with great partners.

The Dakar is known for its challenges, and this year’s race covered over 3,000 miles of Saudi Arabian desert. Participants faced intense conditions like heavy rains, rocky terrain, and other grueling obstacles. In January 2024, Ford Performance will enter a Ranger Raptor into the T1+ category, which is the top class where renowned drivers like Nasser Al-Attiyah and Sebastien Loeb competed for overall victory last year.

To come out on top, Ford will rely on the assistance of their partners. One major partner is Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM), a South African team that already worked on a Dakar entry in 2014. NWM will take charge of the design and initial development of the Ranger Raptor, a process that has been underway for several years. Ford Performance’s direct involvement marks a significant development.

The other partner is M-Sport, the race shop led by Malcom Wilson that has been responsible for Ford’s World Rally Championship efforts for over 25 years. According to Rushbrook, M-Sport has vast experience in designing and engineering vehicles, as well as building service and support trucks, which are crucial for success in the Dakar.

It seems that NWM will primarily handle the development of the 2024 truck, while M-Sport will take care of the logistical challenges involved in running and supporting the team throughout the demanding Dakar race.