Ford's persistent pursuit of an outright Dakar Rally victory showcased substantial progress in 2026, culminating in a remarkable double-podium finish that underscored their strengthened competitive presence. Building on a promising initial appearance, the automaker's revamped Raptor T1+ vehicles proved formidable contenders in the grueling off-road spectacle, with two factory-backed teams securing impressive second and third-place overall standings.
The 2026 Dakar Rally represented a pivotal moment for Ford, marking the second official competitive outing for the Raptor T1+ and a significant leap forward from its third-place debut the previous year. Through dedicated development efforts aimed at narrowing the performance gap, Ford's entries consistently vied for top positions from the outset, maintaining a strong presence among the leaders throughout the multi-stage event. Veteran driver Nani Roma delivered a resilient performance to claim second place overall, overcoming a crash and mechanical issues, while Mattias Ekstrom secured third, highlighting Ford's consistent speed and tactical acumen.
The competitive landscape of the 2026 rally was notably more diverse than in previous years, with individual stage victories distributed among ten different drivers representing five manufacturers, a stark contrast to the dominance observed in the prior edition. While Nasser Al-Attiyah of Dacia ultimately clinched his sixth Dakar title, Ford's dual podium achievement and demonstrated stage-winning capability affirm their upward trajectory and commitment to claiming the coveted overall victory in future challenges, inspiring confidence for sustained improvement and heightened anticipation for the upcoming year.
This outcome exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and innovation inherent in motorsport. It demonstrates that with focused effort, continuous improvement, and unwavering determination, even the most challenging goals can be brought within reach. Ford's journey in the Dakar Rally is a testament to embracing challenges, learning from experiences, and relentlessly striving for excellence, inspiring both the team and its supporters to aim higher with each new endeavor.