The arrival of the new Audi RS Q e-tron T1-E has revolutionized the rally-raid scene, forcing among other things to create the T1 + category to match the performance between this hybrid 4×4 and the 4×4 with a combustion engine. Within this scenario, Prodrive has already practically prepared your T1 + and will shortly begin testing in the desert with this version of its BRX Hunter, while Toyota Gazoo Racing has already officially presented the new Toyota GR DKR T1 +. For its part, X-Raid has not yet defined its work program and it is not clear if the MINI JCW Rally 4×4 will have a T1 + version.
Waiting for any X-Raid move, the third T1 + is not German and is Czech. As a great ‘outsider’ of the Dakar in recent years, Martin Prokop has embarked on the adventure of developing a T1 + version of his Ford Raptor. In this way, ‘Shrek’, the affectionate nickname that your 4×4 receives, has evolved to adapt to the new regulations, so it is now wider, has suspensions with longer travel and larger tires. The Czech pilot already warned of his intentions by using a version midway between the old T1 and this new T1 + in the security carava of Lower Poland.
The work of MP Racing to shape this Ford Raptor 4×4 T1 + is being enormousAs the structure does not have the resources that Prodrive, Toyota or even X-Raid can have if it finally takes the step of having its own T1 +. All in all, the Martin Prokop structure is taking steps forward at a good pace in adapting to the T1 + regulations as well as the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T / A KDR2 tires. On a mechanical level, no major changes are expected, something that should open the door for the Raptor T1 + to take the start in the Dakar 2022, something that is yet to be confirmed.