Ford has announced its participation in the Dakar Rally starting in 2024, establishing a regular presence in the event. Initially, the automaker will compete in the T1 class, utilizing a custom vehicle resembling the previous-generation Ford Ranger. This class allows non-production vehicles that meet the FIA’s technical and safety standards, often featuring tubular chassis and composite bodies.
In 2014, Ford participated in the Dakar Rally with a custom Ranger equipped with a 5.0-liter V-8 borrowed from a Mustang GT. The partnership with Neil Woolridge Motorsport, which facilitated that entry, has been revived for the upcoming endeavor. M-Sport, known for overseeing some of Ford’s rally programs in the World Rally Championship, is also involved in the project. They are responsible for constructing the 5.4-liter V-8 engine for Ford’s new Mustang GT3 race car.
Ford’s upcoming competitor, known as the Ranger T1+, is currently in the developmental phase. It features a turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The vehicle will undergo testing during Spain’s Baja España Aragón and Morocco’s Rally du Maroc in July and October respectively, leading up to its participation in the 2024 Dakar Rally.
Scheduled for January 5-19, 2024, in Saudi Arabia, the rally’s route will begin in the ancient city of Al-Ula, traverse the country towards the Empty Quarter, and culminate in Yanbu on the Red Sea coast.
Ford intends to utilize the 2024 rally to collect valuable data for future endeavors, including the development of a new vehicle for the 2025 rally. The upcoming vehicle will bear similarities to the redesigned 2024 Ranger Raptor performance pickup truck.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dakar Rally
What class will Ford compete in at the Dakar Rally?
Ford will compete in the popular T1 class, which allows non-production vehicles meeting FIA technical and safety standards.
Which vehicle will Ford initially use for the Dakar Rally?
Ford will initially use a custom rig resembling the previous-generation Ford Ranger for their participation in the Dakar Rally.
Has Ford participated in the Dakar Rally before?
Yes, Ford previously participated in the Dakar Rally in 2014 with a custom Ranger powered by a 5.0-liter V-8 borrowed from a Mustang GT.
Who are the partners involved in Ford’s Dakar Rally efforts?
Ford has revived its partnership with Neil Woolridge Motorsport for the upcoming Dakar Rally. Additionally, M-Sport, known for overseeing Ford’s rally programs, is also involved.
What engine powers Ford’s upcoming Ranger T1+ for the Dakar Rally?
The Ranger T1+ is powered by a turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine.
Where will Ford’s Ranger T1+ undergo testing before the 2024 Dakar Rally?
Ford’s Ranger T1+ will undergo testing during Spain’s Baja España Aragón and Morocco’s Rally du Maroc in July and October respectively.
When and where will the 2024 Dakar Rally take place?
The 2024 Dakar Rally is scheduled to run from January 5-19 in Saudi Arabia, starting in Al-Ula and finishing in Yanbu on the Red Sea coast.
What is Ford’s goal for the 2024 Dakar Rally?
Ford aims to gather data for future efforts, including the development of a new vehicle for the 2025 rally, inspired by the redesigned 2024 Ranger Raptor performance pickup truck.
More about Dakar Rally
- Ford’s Official Website
- Dakar Rally Official Website
- FIA Official Website
- Neil Woolridge Motorsport Official Website
- M-Sport Official Website
- 2024 Dakar Rally Route Information