More Dakar Drama as Sainz Forced to Retire his Raptor T1+

Jan 07, 2025
<2 MIN READ
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    Carlos Sainz forced out of Dakar Rally due to damaged car
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COLOGNE, Germany – Carlos Sainz’s bid to win the 2025 Dakar Rally for Ford is over after he was forced to retire his Raptor T1+ due to damage sustained following a roll-over on the opening day of the gruelling 48-hour Chrono Stage.

Despite great teamwork to get the car on its wheels and then an incredible drive by Carlos to finish both that stage and the following day’s stage with minimal bodywork and no windscreen, the car was assessed by the FIA and the stewards and deemed by them to not be able to continue.

Meanwhile Matthias Ekstrom is going well and currently lies in 5th place in his Raptor T1+ with Mitch Guthrie also going well and lying in 9th place overall. Nani Roma faced engine issues which have now been fixed. Out of contention for the win, he will continue the rally to support his teammates.

The Dakar Rally runs through Jan. 17.  You can follow the race on the World Rally Raid Championship’s official website. Also, @FordOnline will be sharing additional coverage throughout the race, including local reporting.