Overview

• During a recent test, Carlos Sainz Jr. first rode as co-driver with his father before taking the wheel of the Ford Raptor T1+.
• He described the Raptor as very fun and ranked the outing among the top two or three experiences of his life, comparing it to sampling a Formula 1 car.
• Carlos Sainz Sr., a two-time WRC champion and four-time Dakar winner, is preparing to contest the 2026 Dakar in the T1+ Ford.
• Regular co-driver Lucas Cruz did not take part in this test session, according to the reports.
• The 2026 Dakar Rally is scheduled for January 3–17 in Saudi Arabia, with preparations now underway.