• Ekström is a two-time DTM champion, World Rallycross champion, and experienced rally raid competitor
• His first competitive outing with the Ford Raptor T1+ will take place at Rally du Maroc and later at the Dakar Rally
• The driver line-up includes Mitch Guthrie Jr, Nani Roma, and Carlos Sainz Sr 

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 01 October 2024 – Ford Performance welcomes world-renowned rally and off-road driver Mattias Ekström, who will be joining its team for the 2025 Dakar Rally and thus completing the driver lineup. Ekström, a two-time DTM champion, World Rallycross champion, and experienced rally raid competitor, will join Mitch Guthrie Jr, Nani Roma, and Carlos Sainz Sr in piloting the Ford Raptor T1+ in one of the world’s most demanding motorsport events.

Ekström’s diverse background, which spans success in rally, circuit racing, and off-road competition, makes him a perfect addition to the Ford Performance Dakar team. He has proven his capability in rally raid events, including multiple Dakar Rally appearances, and now looks forward to leading the charge alongside his teammates in the T1 Category.

QUOTES:

Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance: “Bringing Mattias Ekström into the Ford Performance family is a big step forward for our Dakar program. Mattias brings a wealth of experience in rally and off-road racing, and his skills add to a formidable team in the Ford Raptor T1+. The Dakar Rally is a test like no other, but we’re confident in our lineup.”

Matthew Wilson, M-Sport: "We have followed Mattias’ career for a long time, from his DTM days to the FIA World Rallycross, and now the Dakar Rally. He has shown fantastic speed and ability in all forms of motorsport and his performances in off-road racing have been no different. We are really looking forward to working with him and his co-driver Emil, who both will bring with them a vast array of experience." 

Mattias Ekström: "Joining the Ford Dakar program is really exciting for me. Ford and M-Sport have built a vehicle that looks, sounds, and drives awesome and we all have a common ambition to win the Dakar Rally. I have had four tries at Dakar so far and now I can say that I have some experience to be able to aim for the top. There is also a lot of knowledge and experience in the team to back up the ambition – starting with the long motorsport heritage of Ford, proven track record of M-Sport, very impressive driver line-up, smart engineers, technicians, and the rest of the team. I look forward to the first competitive outing with the Ford Raptor T1+ at Rally du Maroc and later at the Dakar Rally. I am in it to win it and I hope we will have very successful and great years ahead of us. I will do everything in my power to make it happen."  

WHY: Ford Performance is committed to showcasing its off-road capabilities in rally raid racing and global competition efforts via entries and victories in the Baja 1000, Tatts-Finke Desert Race, and more. The addition of Mattias Ekström finalizes a strong driver lineup for the biggest challenge yet in Dakar, positioning Ford for a competitive push in the 2025 race with the Raptor T1+.