MOTORSPORT NEWS
FPT INDUSTRIAL ENGINES SWEEPS THE PODIUM AT THE DAKAR 2025 , SECURING NINE OUT OF TEN OF THE FINAL STANDINGS ’ TOP POSITIONS
FPT Industrial is once again on the podium at the Dakar Rally : the 47th edition of the world ’ s most challenging rally raid , the Dakar 2025 , has seen another remarkable achievement added to the brand ’ s legacy . Indeed , IVECO vehicles – powered by FPT Industrial ’ s engines – swept the podium and secured nine out of ten of the top final places in the truck standings . As Exclusive Technical Partner , the brand supported de Rooy FPT teams , led by the drivers Aleš Loprais , Vaidotas Žala and Anja Van Loon . Loprais , from InstaTrade Loprais Team de Rooy FPT , took 3rd place with the well-known IVECO Powerstar model 2024 / 2025 equipped with FPT Industrial ’ s CURSOR 13 engines , designed to deliver unmatched power , efficiency , reliability , and sustainability in the toughest conditions .
Vaidotas Žala , the new entry to Skuba Team de Rooy FPT , and Anja Van Loon ( Fried Van de Laar Racing Team de Rooy FPT ), who had already experienced the Dakar Rally in 2024 with a first-class performance , conquered the dunes of the stunning Saudi Arabian landscapes with impressive performances across multiple stages , including six podium finishes for Žala and a fourth-place finish for Van Loon . These two drivers finished the rally fifth and eighth respectively , recording their best-ever results in the competition .
This year ’ s edition – confirmed by the organizers as one of the most challenging ever – featured twelve stages covering a total of 8,000 kilometers from Bisha to Shubaytah , including more than 5,000 kilometers of specials . For eight out of the twelve stages , Aleš Loprais finished in the top three positions , winning five of them . This outstanding result was achieved thanks to an exceptionally high-performance and reliable vehicle and engine , which never let the team down throughout the rally .
At the end of the final stage , Aleš Loprais stated : “ As always , the Dakar presents numerous challenges for us drivers – from the obstacles encountered dune after dune to the tests of endurance and resilience that unfold with each stage . Every year , the rally brings new , valuable lessons and unexpected surprises . To tackle them , relying on an FPT Industrial engine , which once again proved to be the perfect partner for such extreme conditions , is of immense value .”
DAKAR 2025 – FINAL STANDINGS 3rd Place # 601 InstaTrade Loprais Team de Rooy FPT Driver : Aleš Loprais Navigator : David Kripal Mechanic : Darek Rodewald
5th Place # 605 Skuba Team de Rooy FPT Driver : Vaidotas Žala Navigator : Paulo Fiuza Mechanic : Max Van Grol
8th Place # 613 Fried Van de Laar Racing Team de Rooy FPT Driver : Anja Van Loon Navigator : Ben Van de Laar Mechanic : Jan Van de Laar
Driving through one dune after another , the Dakar route highlighted all the qualities of the CURSOR 13 engines , designed to supply the highest levels of power , efficiency , reliability , and sustainability in the toughest applications . Even for everyday challenges , they represent the best solution for long-distance and heavy-duty trucks of over 16 tonnes Gross Vehicle Weight ( GVW ), thanks to best-in-class performance and transient response with low fuel consumption .
FPT Industrial ’ s patented HI-eSCR technology – an EGR-free solution – ensures low Total Cost of Ownership ( TCO ), thanks also to the DPF with passive regeneration and best-in-class oil change intervals of up to 150,000 km . DPF cleaning at up to 600,000 km and reduced oil consumption provide significant advantages in terms of uptime and reduced costs .
CURSOR 13 FOR IVECO POWERSTAR ( DAKAR 2025 ) – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS No . of cylinders / valves : 6L / 4 Turbocharger : Twin Scroll Displacement [ liters ]: 12.88 Bore x stroke [ mm ]: 135 x 150 Maximum Rated Power [ HP ]: 1,000 Maximum Torque [ Nm ]: 5,000 Dry weight [ kg ]: 1,150
aBr WORDS IN ACTION 12 JANUARY • FEBRUARY • MARCH 2025