The redesigned Ford Ranger by Neil Woolridge Motorsport is causing a sensation in the world of off-road racing. Carlos Sainz Senior, former rally world champion and four-time Dakar winner, is returning to Ford in 2025. With the son of a current Ferrari Formula 1 driver behind the wheel, Sainz is aiming for his fifth desert title. The Ford Performance Ranger Raptor will be his vehicle of choice.
Sainz is no stranger to Ford and the M-Sport team. He won two consecutive Spanish rally championships in a Sierra RS Cosworth in 1987 and ’88 under their banner. This will be the fourth time he drives for the team. In the past, he competed in the WRC with the Escort RS Cosworth and the Escort WRC car in 1996 and 1997. Later, he teamed up with Colin McRae in the Focus WRC car from 2000 to 2002.
Ford’s Dakar adventure will begin in 2025, with Sainz being joined by two-time Dakar champion Nani Roma. The team is still finalizing the lineup, with two more drivers to be confirmed. The Ford Ranger Raptor Dakar machine is already undergoing rigorous testing. Matthew Wilson, son of M-Sport founder Malcolm Wilson, is leading the design and development efforts for the 2025 Ranger Raptor.
M-Sport director and Dakar team manager Malcolm Wilson expressed his satisfaction in welcoming Nani back to the team. He praised Nani’s experience and knowledge, which have proven invaluable in previous races. Wilson also highlighted Sainz’s legendary status in the sport and his success in various off-road racing formats. Sainz’s decision to return to Ford and M-Sport after many years is a significant boost for the team.
Sainz is no stranger to rally raid events and the Dakar. He first competed in 2006 and has since claimed victory four times, each with a different car. From the Volkswagen Race Touareg in 2010 to the Peugeot 3008 DKR Maxi in 2018, the Mini John Cooper Works Buggy in 2020, and the Audi RS Q e-tron in 2024, Sainz has proven his skills in the Dakar.
Expressing his excitement for the new Rally Dakar project, Sainz emphasized his long history with Ford and M-Sport. He proudly recalled being Malcolm Wilson’s first factory driver in 1987 and expressed his joy in reuniting with the team. Sainz is looking forward to the challenges ahead in the Dakar and is eager to make his mark once again.
