Land Rover Defender To Enter Dakar Rally in 2026

Land Rover will make its Dakar Rally debut in 2026, fielding a three-car team under the Defender name. Driver details remain unannounced, but the company is expected to recruit experienced racers to lead the program. Currently, Defender is the official vehicle partner for the Dakar Rally, supplying 20 SUVs for race officials and VIPs. Additionally, Land Rover will provide six modified Defenders to assist the ASO with critical tasks like route mapping and logistics for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 editions. This marks a major milestone in Land Rover’s deeper involvement in one of motorsport’s toughest events.

JLR Motorsport Managing Director James Barclay said: 'I’ve called Dakar the Everest of motorsport. Being here today to once again see the prologue stage kick‑off reinforces the challenge we face. It will be an incredible adventure from both human and engineering perspectives, and the team are already working hard to develop Defender within the new ‘Stock’ FIA W2RC rules for 2026 that will make for such a competitive category. 

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‘We along with the FIA, ASO and other manufacturers have helped shape these new regulations, which represent an exciting new chapter for the Dakar, W2RC and Rally Raid in general. I’m looking forward to bringing you more news soon of our Rally Raid competition‑spec Defender that’s in development.'

Dakar: Land Rover Defender Specification

Land Rover has yet to disclose the specific powertrain destined for its Dakar Rally campaign. However, the Defender is built on the D7X aluminium platform, providing a strong foundation for its performance. This monocoque construction delivers three times the stiffness of traditional SUV designs, ensuring durability and reliability under extreme conditions.

For consumers, the Defender lineup includes three body styles: the 90, 110, and 130. The Defender 110 is also available as a plug-in hybrid, emphasizing Land Rover's commitment to sustainable mobility and electrification.

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From 2026 to 2028, Defender models will compete in the FIA's 'Stock' category in the Dakar Rally and the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). This participation highlights Land Rover's focus on demonstrating the Defender's off-road capabilities, endurance, and engineering on the toughest global stages.