BREAKING: FIA Welcomes New Team for 2025 Championship in M

FIA Welcomes New Team for 2025 Championship in Major Announcement

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has revealed a significant development for the 2025 motorsport season, confirming the addition of a new team to one of its premier racing series. The FIA is the governing body responsible for overseeing a variety of international motorsport disciplines, including Formula 1, the World Rally Championship (WRC), and the World Endurance Championship (WEC). However, this announcement pertains to another exciting category under the FIA’s jurisdiction—the FIA World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC).

For 2025, the W2RC will welcome a new entry into the fold, as the Ford M-Sport Team has officially registered to compete. This team will be using the Ford Ranger and Ford Raptor, specially developed for the challenging terrains of rally raid events. After years of preparation and development behind the scenes, Ford M-Sport is ready to take on the highly competitive championship, setting their sights on success in both the Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ Championships.

The World Rally Raid Championship

The FIA World Rally Raid Championship is a unique and grueling motorsport series, with the Dakar Rally being its crown jewel. The Dakar Rally, one of the most famous and difficult endurance events in motorsport, kicks off the W2RC calendar each year. Following the Dakar, the championship heads to some of the world’s most rugged landscapes, including the deserts of Abu Dhabi, the wilds of the South African Safari, and the rough trails of Portugal and Morocco.

The Dakar Rally itself is widely regarded as the ultimate test of endurance, skill, and vehicle performance. Its off-road stages cover a vast array of challenging terrains, from sandy dunes to rocky outcrops, making it a true test of both man and machine. For many manufacturers, winning the Dakar Rally is seen as one of the greatest achievements in motorsport, and for Ford, entering the W2RC represents a significant step toward reaching that goal.

Ford’s Arrival at the Dakar Rally

Ford’s entry into the 2025 W2RC has long been anticipated. The team, led by the M-Sport division, has been hard at work developing two vehicles—the Ford Ranger and the Ford Raptor—to compete in the harsh conditions of rally raid events. Over the last two years, much of their work has been conducted behind closed doors, with the team focused on ensuring their vehicles are robust and capable enough to handle the intense demands of the W2RC.

The 2025 Dakar Rally, which runs from January 3 to January 17, will be the debut of Ford M-Sport in the championship. This will be the only marathon event on the W2RC calendar, making it the perfect proving ground for Ford’s new machines. The team will be aiming to challenge for top honors, not only in the Dakar Rally but throughout the entire W2RC season, as they look to establish themselves as a serious contender in both the Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ Championships.

Carlos Sainz Sr. Leads the Charge

One of the most exciting aspects of Ford M-Sport’s entry into the W2RC is the inclusion of rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr. Sainz, who is the father of Formula 1 star Carlos Sainz Jr., is a four-time Dakar Rally champion and the defending champion of the event. Sainz Sr. has enjoyed a long and successful career in rallying, and his experience and skill will undoubtedly be a major asset to the Ford team.

Sainz’s most recent Dakar victory came in 2024, where he claimed a stunning win behind the wheel of a Team Audi Sport vehicle. Now, he has made the switch to Ford, bringing with him his long-time co-driver Lucas Cruz. Together, they form one of the strongest driver pairings in the championship, and their combined experience will be crucial as Ford seeks to make a strong impression in its debut season.

Sainz and Cruz will not be the only star pairing representing Ford M-Sport, however. The team has also enlisted the services of former Audi team-mates Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist, as well as Mitch Guthrie and Dennis Zenz. These two pairings will drive the other Ford Raptors, which have been entered into the W2RC’s Manufacturers’ Championship alongside Sainz and Cruz.

A Team to Watch

In total, Ford M-Sport will field three vehicles in the W2RC Manufacturers’ Championship, with all eyes on their debut at the Dakar Rally. But the team’s ambitions don’t stop there. Joan ‘Nani’ Roma, another veteran of rally raid competitions, will drive a fourth Raptor, alongside his co-driver Alex Haro. Roma, who has won the Dakar on both two wheels and four, was heavily involved in the development and testing of Ford’s new vehicles over the past year. His expertise in vehicle performance and off-road racing makes him a valuable addition to the team.

Ford’s involvement in the W2RC marks the latest chapter in their storied history in motorsport. The team’s preparations have been extensive, with much of the development work taking place in 2023 and 2024. Their vehicles have already shown promising performance in select events, including the Hungarian Baja in August 2024, where Roma topped the timesheets.

Conclusion

As the 2025 W2RC season gets underway, Ford M-Sport’s entry into the championship is sure to be one of the most closely watched stories. With a strong driver lineup, cutting-edge vehicles, and a proven track record of success in motorsport, the team is poised to make a big impact. The Dakar Rally will serve as the first major test of their capabilities, and fans of rally raid racing will be eager to see how they fare against some of the best teams in the world.

The FIA has officially welcomed Ford M-Sport to the series, signaling the start of what promises to be an exciting new era in the World Rally Raid Championship.