Ford Joins FIA World Rally Raid Championship in 2025: A Bold Step Forward
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has officially announced an exciting development for motorsport enthusiasts as Ford M-Sport enters the FIA World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC) for the 2025 season. This bold move marks a significant milestone for the iconic American automaker, which has long been a symbol of innovation and performance in motorsport. With their entry into one of the world’s most grueling racing series, Ford is poised to challenge for both the Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ Championships.
The W2RC, a series synonymous with endurance and adventure, kicks off its season with the legendary Dakar Rally. Held from January 3 to January 17, the Dakar remains the crown jewel of rally raid events, testing competitors with some of the most extreme terrains on the planet. Ford’s entry into this series comes after years of preparation, with the development of the Ford Ranger and Raptor rally vehicles taking place largely out of the public eye throughout 2023 and 2024.
Ford’s team lineup for the 2025 season is nothing short of spectacular, with four vehicles registered to compete. The team will be led by rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr., a four-time Dakar champion who claimed his most recent victory in 2024 while driving for Team Audi Sport. Sainz Sr., alongside his trusted co-driver Lucas Cruz, will pilot one of Ford’s Raptors. Joining them will be former Audi teammates Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist, as well as Mitch Guthrie, who steps up from the Challenger class with co-driver Dennis Zenz.
Adding to the team’s star-studded roster is Joan “Nani” Roma, a motorsport icon who has achieved the rare feat of winning the Dakar Rally both on two wheels and in a car. Roma, partnered with Alex Haro, has been instrumental in the development of the Ford Raptor and played a pivotal role in the vehicle’s testing phases, including a standout performance at the Hungarian Baja in 2024.
The FIA’s announcement of Ford’s entry was met with enthusiasm across the motorsport community. In a social media post on their official “X” platform, the governing body welcomed the team with the words: “Welcome to Dakar, Ford 🏁.” The post highlighted Ford M-Sport’s meticulous preparation and expressed anticipation for their impact on the 2025 championship.
The inclusion of Ford in the W2RC brings an additional layer of excitement and competition to a series already known for its unpredictability and drama. With Carlos Sainz Sr. leading the charge, Ford aims to disrupt the established order and take on seasoned competitors in the Manufacturers’ Championship.
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For fans of the Dakar Rally and the W2RC, Ford’s entry signals a new era of competition. The automaker’s commitment to pushing boundaries aligns perfectly with the essence of rally raid racing—a sport that demands endurance, innovation, and unwavering determination. As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Ford M-Sport to see if their preparation and star-studded lineup can deliver results in one of motorsport’s most challenging arenas.
The journey has just begun, but the stakes are already sky-high. With the Dakar Rally setting the stage for an action-packed season, Ford’s bold entry into the W2RC is a reminder of why motorsport continues to captivate fans worldwide: the thrill of competition, the promise of innovation, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
