The 2025 Dakar Rally is gearing up to showcase some of the most talented drivers and cutting-edge vehicles from January 3 to January 17, 2025, marking yet another edition of the event renowned for its grit and endurance. This year, the rally will traverse nearly 8,000 kilometers of Saudi Arabian terrain, offering both seasoned competitors and newcomers opportunities to prove their mettle.
Among the standout participants is the Ford Raptor T1+, which built on its previous success with the Ford Ranger Raptor. The team is bolstered by the inclusion of driving luminaries such as Carlos Sainz Sr., Nani Roma, Mitch Guthrie Jr., Kellon Welch, and Mattias Ekström. Sainz, who is no stranger to the rigors of the Dakar, is not just entering the race; he is the reigning champion and has won the Dakar Rally four times throughout his illustrious career. His co-driver Lucas Cruz makes his return to M-Sport Ford, after two decades away, eager to leverage this experience for another shot at glory.
Meanwhile, Mattias Ekström, who has already made his mark as the two-time DTM champion and titleholder of World Rallycross, carries his competitive spirit from last year's attempt. Despite falling behind Sainz due to challenges, Ekström demonstrated resilience at the Rallye du Muroc, advancing 40 cars from his starting position of 91st in the Ford Raptor T1+.
Roma, appearing for the 28th time at Dakar, reminisces about his past victories as he looks forward to competing with his co-driver Alex Haro. Together, they aim to clinch the title after delivering Ford’s first victory at The Hungarian Baja. Likewise, American off-road specialist Mitch Guthrie Jr. plans to showcase his extensive experience, including ventures like the King of the Hammers, during the grueling 8,000-kilometer challenge alongside co-driver Kellon Welch. Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance head, emphasized the significance of the event for the brand, stating, "The Dakar Rally is the pinnacle of off-road racing, and it’s where legends are made. With the Raptor T1+ and our exceptional team of drivers... we’re ready to take on the challenge."
On the other side of the rally spectrum, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has also announced its formidable lineup, featuring the likes of former Dakar champion Kevin Benavides, Daniel Sanders, and Luciano Benavides, all of whom bring vast experience to the table. Young rider Edgar Canet, at just 19 years old, is making his debut at the Dakar Rally this year and will compete in the Rally2 category. His early successes, including impressive finishes at events like Rally Portugal, imbue him with the confidence and talent to make waves among seasoned competitors.
Canet’s entry signifies Red Bull KTM’s commitment to nurturing young prospects, providing them with invaluable experiences alongside accomplished veterans. "We’re super happy to announce... He has done a great job this season and is a very promising young talent," enthused Andreas Hölzl, Rally Team Manager of Red Bull KTM, referring to Canet’s extensive preparation and training alongside his teammates.
The upcoming rally will feature exciting new safety measures, such as implementing separate courses for cars, trucks, and motorcycles to minimize overtaking hazards, enhancing the overall experience for both competitors and fans. The rally is expected to ignite excitement and demonstration of endurance as it delves deep through the rugged Saudi Arabian landscapes, beginning with a prologue and then extending over 12 stages, including exclusive features such as marathon stages.
With the anticipation building, both teams are prepared to tackle the challenges the Dakar Rally presents. The cross-country course promises to test the limits of both machines and driver abilities, solidifying the event’s stature as one of motorsports' most prestigious tests.
From seasoned champions like Sainz and Ekström to promising talents like Canet, the 2025 Dakar Rally is set to renew rivalries and forge new legends starting January 3, attracting fans from around the globe as they follow the adventure of their favorite drivers and the remarkable capabilities of their vehicles.
