Dakar 2026: Land Rover Tests D7X-R Prototype, Signs Rally Legend Peterhansel

Land Rover has given us a peek into its preparations for the 2026 Dakar Rally and the following W2RC season with the debut of the Defender Dakar D7X‑R prototype. The rugged machine, draped in an eye-catching camouflage livery, has already begun testing in Morocco’s harsh Sahara terrain—an environment that mirrors the relentless demands of the Dakar Rally. Land Rover’s early testing highlights its determined push into rally-raid racing, with plans to compete in the ‘Stock’ category for production-based vehicles. The team will field three cars at the 2026 Dakar Rally, with two continuing in the full FIA World Rally-Raid Championship season.

James Barclay, Managing Director of JLR Motorsport, said, ‘Completing our first official test in the Defender Dakar D7X-R prototype is a huge milestone and kicks off a busy calendar of testing activity on our journey to Dakar. The team are doing phenomenal work as we prepare for the world’s most challenging off-road race in just eight months’ time.’

Defender Dakar D7X‑R Prototype: Key Highlights

The D7X-R prototype is the rally-ready evolution of the Defender Octa, engineered as a purpose-built competitor rooted in production vehicle architecture. It retains key components from the standard Defender—such as the aluminium body, transmission, and driveline—which highlights the platform’s core strength and durability. Power comes from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. As of now, the brand has not shared any details on the power figures. However, industry rumours indicate that the unit will deliver the same 626bhp and 750Nm of found in the Octa.

Also Read: Land Rover Classic Defender 90 Returns as Open-Top With 5.0-Litre V8 Engine

Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender, said, ‘It's a fantastic feeling to be sharing these first images of the Defender Dakar D7X-R prototype with the world. The team is really starting to take shape as we develop Defender to compete in the Stock category – which means the competition D7X-R will be very closely linked to the production Defender.’

Riders Announced

For its works debut at the upcoming Dakar Rally, Land Rover has enlisted the formidable talent of Stephane Peterhansel, the legendary French driver with an astounding 14 Dakar victories, who will pilot one of the three D7X-R contenders. Joining him in another of the three entries is Rokas Baciuska, a promising 25-year-old driver hailing from Lithuania.

Stephane Peterhansel said, 'I am delighted to begin a new chapter with Defender. The World Rally-Raid Championship is the pinnacle of rallying and off-road competition, whilst Defender is an iconic and capable 4x4, so for me it’s the perfect match. The team is committed to the championship and has a passion to win. I’m looking forward to taking on this new challenge and together I hope we can take Defender to the top step of the podium.'

He also added, 'Despite competing in many Dakar Rallies before, both on bike and in cars, I’m looking forward to entering the Stock category, and I’m excited to take it head on with this team. It’s been amazing to get behind the wheel of the Defender D7X-R prototype for the first time in Morocco. Whilst it’s early days, our testing is moving in a positive direction for our preparation for our Dakar Rally debut in 2026.'

Rokas Baciuska, said, 'I’m extremely excited to make my debut in the Stock category of the Dakar Rally, made even more significant by driving for Defender. Having the legendary Defender join the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship and Dakar Rally is an historic moment in motorsport and for the brand, and I’m looking forward to being an integral part of that story.'

He also added, 'Defender is an incredible brand synonymous with being unstoppable and embracing the impossible, which is why I am so proud to be a part of this programme. I can’t wait to begin my journey with the team and start testing the Defender D7X-R for the first time in anticipation of the 2026 Dakar Rally.'

Also Read: Land Rover Defender Octa Launched India; Prices Start at Rs 2.59 Crore

Details about the third driver in the company’s Dakar Rally lineup are still under wraps, with the announcement expected closer to the event. The team also plans to reveal the navigators for each entry at a later stage, completing the full driver-navigator roster for the 2026 campaign.