Ricciardo and Feeney Swap Supercars and Dakar Trucks in Ford Crossover Event

Daniel Ricciardo and reigning Supercars champion Brodie Feeney participated in a unique vehicle swap at Calder Park, with the Formula 1 star driving a Supercar and the V8 champion taking the wheel of a Dakar Rally truck. The Ford-organized event highlights the crossover appeal between motorsport disciplines and serves as a major promotional activity ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

These high-profile crossover events leverage the star power of F1 drivers to generate significant local buzz and media attention for both Supercars and supporting sponsors. For Ricciardo, it's a chance to reconnect with Australian fans and the domestic racing scene in a relaxed setting, while for Feeney and Supercars, it provides a global spotlight often reserved for the F1 circus.

The details:

• The event featured head-to-head runs, with Feeney in his championship-winning Ford Mustang Supercar against Ricciardo in the Ford M-Sport Raptor T1+, a machine built for the grueling Dakar Rally.
• The drivers then swapped passenger seats, with Feeney driving the Raptor with Ricciardo alongside, before the F1 driver took his turn behind the wheel of the Supercar.
• This follows a recent trend for Ricciardo, who has sampled various V8 Supercars from Ford, Holden, and Nissan in promotional activities over the years, showcasing his versatility and appeal beyond the F1 paddock.
• The Ford stunt occurred just one day after fellow Australian F1 driver Oscar Piastri drove a Tickford Racing Mustang Supercar at the same Calder Park circuit for a separate Monster Energy promotion.

What's next:

These promotional drives are a staple of the Australian Grand Prix week, building local excitement and bridging the gap between the global spectacle of F1 and the homegrown passion for Supercars.

• The activities solidify the drivers' roles as key ambassadors for their sponsors and the sport in the critical Australian market.
• While fun diversions, they also offer the F1 drivers a rare, low-pressure opportunity to experience vastly different racing machinery, potentially providing unique feedback that contrasts with their highly specialized grand prix cars.
• Expect more cross-discipline content and collaborations as teams and sponsors maximize the marketing potential of the Melbourne event.