Ford participates in the Dakar 2024 with its Ranger T1+ and Nani Roma as star driver

Ford is growing rapidly in the racing world. Although only a few months ago they confirmed their participation in Formula 1 in 2026 in partnership with the Red Bull team , they recently formalized their intention to participate in the 2024 Dakar Rally , a decision which had been widely suspected . They will participate with their Ford Ranger T1+ .

Currently, Ford is testing the car they intend to take on the Dakar , and it is heartening to know that Nani Roma , a favorite with Spanish fans, is in the running to become the team's star driver. A final decision will soon be made by the American company.

Loeb has also expressed his desire to fly the Ranger T1+

In collaboration with M-Sport , Ford had previously announced that it planned to participate in the Dakar with the Ranger T1+, but without specifying dates. Throughout 2022 they have been testing and continuing with their plan for 2023. However, it looks like the start date for the Ford Ranger T1+ in the dunes of Saudi Arabia is set for 2024.

M-Sport founder and director Malcolm Wilson has confirmed that Nani Roma has already tested the Ford Ranger T1+. Although not yet official, he is the favorite to lead the American team into the desert, which would mark a triumphant return for Roma to the Dakar Rally .

Due to bladder cancer which required a long recovery period, Nani Roma was unable to participate in the 2023 edition of the Dakar. Now in good health, Roma aspires to return to the race he won in both motorbike and car racing, and plans to do so in conjunction with Ford, who have a new project underway.

However, Roma is not the only Ford driver in line for the Dakar, as Sébastien Loeb , Roma's former Prodrive team-mate and current Ford and M-Sport driver in the WRC , is also being tested for the Ranger T1+. Laia Sanz is also seen as a potential candidate.

The arrival of Ford allays the concerns of the Dakar about the future of its brands, while the presence of Toyota seems stable. However, Audi has been pressing for a few weeks by threatening to no longer participate from the 2024 edition, unless it can align the performance of its electric SUV with that of the Toyota Hilux 4x4 .

Will Ford also have any surprises in store with the LMDhs , given that they are now involved in the WRC, Formula 1 and the Dakar , showing their renewed passion for motor racing?