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Mattias Ekström will join Ford’s Dakar lineup following his split from Audi last week. The two-time DTM and 2016 World Rallycross champion joins Carlos Sainz’ in moving over from the Four Rin…
Mattias Ekström has joined Ford’s Dakar lineup after parting ways with Audi last week. The two-time DTM and 2016 World Rallycross champion is moving from Audi’s rally raid program to the new M-Sport-led effort along with Carlos Sainz.The Ford Dakar program excites Ekström, who expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to compete at the Dakar Rally with Ford and M-Sport’s well-crafted vehicle and ambitious team. Ekström’s experience from four Dakar attempts will be an asset in aiming for victory, supported by Ford’s motorsport heritage, M-Sport’s track record, and the talented team around him.Ekström looks forward to his first competitive outing with the Ford Raptor T1+ at Rally du Maroc and later at the Dakar Rally as part of a strong lineup that includes Mitch Guthrie and Nani Roma. Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance’s global director, believes Ekström’s addition strengthens the team’s Dakar program and expresses confidence in their lineup.
