—kkm of intensity
—stages
—days of rally action
Featuring
- 2x new Marathon-Refuge stages
- 1x new stage for a total of 13
- 5,000km of specials
Dakar 2026 will run over 14 days from 3 to 17 January 2026 on a set of stages stretching from Bisha to Shubaytah.
Dakar 2026 will run over 14 days from 3 to 17 January 2026 on a set of stages stretching from Bisha to Shubaytah.
Dakar 2026 is the pinnacle of endurance motorsport, spanning thousands of kilometres across unforgiving terrains—towering dunes, rocky trails, and endless desert. It demands speed, strategy, and resilience, pushing crews to their physical and mental limits as they navigate unpredictable routes under gruelling conditions.
For the vehicles, Dakar is a brutal test of engineering. Every component must withstand extreme impacts, temperatures, and landscapes while performing flawlessly. A single failure can mean defeat. More than a race, it’s a proving ground for the toughest teams and machines.
M-Sport Engineering
M-Sport Engineering
As a long-standing partner to Ford in WRC, M-Sport is once again collaborating with Ford Racing (previously Ford Performance) for its leading technical and engineering calibre, operational excellence, and proven record of successful global programmes with Ford USA and other performance manufacturers across the world.
Following an impressive debut Dakar campaign in 2025 — delivering a podium finish and multiple stage wins — the Ford M-Sport team returns for its second year, once again fielding four Raptor T1+ vehicles for the 2026 Dakar Rally. Each Raptor has been bespoke-built and further enhanced for this year’s event — standing apart from the pack thanks to its powerful V8 engine, Fox suspension system, and a unique design that draws on key elements of the iconic Ford Raptor production vehicles.
M-Sport’s legacy is built on a relentless passion for winning, with the company designing and engineering some of the world’s most successful motorsport vehicles. From WRC and Touring Cars to GT3, M-Sport has also excelled in prestigious events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. Dakar 2026 marks the continuation of the team’s drive, as they push further in their pursuit to become masters of the dunes.
Ford Racing
Ford Racing
In 2025, Ford Racing (previously known as Ford Performance) partnered with UK engineering company and seven-time WRC champions M-Sport to take on the world’s toughest endurance race, the Dakar Rally — and after a successful first year, they are doing it again.
The Ford Raptor T1+ represents the pinnacle of Ford’s off-road engineering, boasting advanced suspension, a mighty V8 engine, and exceptional performance tailored for the toughest terrains. During its 2025 competition debut, Dakar legend Nani Roma showcased the Raptor T1+’s potential with an impressive stage win, supported by a broader team performance that included a podium finish and multiple standout stages.
Synonymous with off-road excellence, the Raptor nameplate embodies Ford’s commitment to durability and power. Ford Racing’s return for Dakar 2026 builds on the momentum of that successful debut season and marks the next step in its ambition to conquer one of the most demanding events on the global motorsport calendar.
Partners and sponsors
