In the world of motorsport, achieving mastery in one discipline is a monumental feat. Excelling in two, especially in the grueling conditions of the Dakar Rally, places a competitor in a league of their own. Nani Roma is one of only three racers to have claimed victory in the Dakar Rally on both two and four wheels, standing shoulder to shoulder with legends Stéphane Peterhansel and Hubert Auriol.
As he prepares to compete in the 2025 Dakar Rally behind the wheel of the all-new Ford Raptor T1+, Roma reflects on the unique journey that has defined his career. From conquering the vast deserts of Africa on a bike in 2004 to his continued success in cars, his story is a testament to adaptability, resilience, and an unrelenting passion for racing.
The Challenges of Racing in Africa
Roma’s first Dakar victory came during the rally’s African era, a time he describes as the pinnacle of endurance racing. “It was a massive challenge back then,” he recalls. “The stages were much longer, the conditions tougher, and the sense of isolation was real. You often felt alone, deep in the wilderness, with no one around for miles.”
Unlike today’s rally in Saudi Arabia, which benefits from advanced technology and shorter stages, the African rallies pushed competitors to their limits. Riders had to navigate using rudimentary tools while battling the harsh terrain and unpredictable weather.
From Two Wheels to Four
Roma’s decision to switch from bikes to cars was straightforward, driven by curiosity and a desire for new challenges. After testing with Nissan in 2005, he realized his potential to succeed in the car category. “I always trusted my instincts and took my own decisions,” Roma says. “Even during my bike days, I watched the car results and thought, ‘One day, I’ll race there.’”
The transition was not without its challenges. Roma highlights the physical differences between the two disciplines: “On a bike, you move your entire body and navigate yourself, which requires intense physical and mental preparation. In a car, you’re seated, but it’s like being in a boxing match—taking heavy impacts over and over.”
Despite these differences, Roma’s passion remained the unifying force in his success. “Passion takes away all fear,” he explains. “It’s what drives me through the toughest stages and helps me overcome the challenges.”
A Legacy of Development and Innovation
Roma has not only excelled as a competitor but also as a key figure in vehicle development. From his early days helping KTM and BMW refine their bikes to his current role with Ford M-Sport, Roma’s technical expertise has been invaluable. “Whether it’s a bike or a car, the goal is the same: to create a machine that feels right and performs under extreme conditions,” he says.
For the 2025 Dakar Rally, Roma joins an elite Ford M-Sport lineup that includes Carlos Sainz, Mattias Ekström, and Mitch Guthrie Jr. Together, they will debut the Ford Raptor T1+, a vehicle designed to tackle the world’s toughest rally.
Looking Ahead to Dakar 2025
The Dakar Rally remains one of the most demanding and prestigious events in motorsport. Roma is excited to take on the challenge once again, bringing his unique experience and unwavering passion to the race. “The Dakar is more than a race; it’s a way of life,” he says. “When you’re passionate about what you do, you find a way to push through any obstacle.”
The 2025 Dakar Rally begins on January 3 and concludes on January 17, promising to be another thrilling chapter in the storied career of Nani Roma—a true legend of the desert.
Source: Redbull Content Pool
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
