Defender to compete with works team in Dakar as part of a three year FIA W2RC campaign
The Defender brand will compete with a works team in Dakar – the world’s most demanding off‑road motorsport competition – as part of a full FIA World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC) entry.
Starting in 2026, the three‑year Defender brand works program will consist of a two‑car entry across the full five‑rounds of the W2RC, with a third car participating each year in Dakar – the Championship’s halo event.
From 2026 to 2028, Defender brand vehicles will compete in the FIA’s ‘Stock’ category – for production‑based vehicles – within the Dakar Rally and the full W2RC. An update to the sporting and technical regulations in this important category will be implemented for 2026, making it significantly more competitive and the perfect platform to demonstrate the capability and durability of Defender vehicles.
Defender vehicles are made for Dakar. Their inherent capability and purpose‑engineered D7x architecture is based on a lightweight aluminum monocoque construction to create a stiff body structure. It is three times stiffer than traditional body‑on‑frame designs, providing perfect foundations to help withstand the challenging conditions that Dakar will provide.
A comprehensive Defender competition development program is already underway which will culminate in a competitive test event during autumn 2025, followed by a full team launch ahead of Dakar 2026.
While the Defender brand will not compete in Dakar until 2026, it will play a key role at the 2025 rally as the event’s official vehicle partner. A fleet of 20 Defender vehicles will support the event, which begins in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, and ends in Shubaytah, transporting race officials and VIP media. A further six highly specialized Defender recce vehicles will be used by Dakar Rally organizers to plan the routes for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 events.
While the Defender brand will not compete in Dakar until 2026, it will play a key role at the 2025 rally as the event’s official vehicle partner. A fleet of 20 Defender vehicles will support the event, which begins in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, and ends in Shubaytah, transporting race officials and VIP media. A further six highly specialized Defender recce vehicles will be used by Dakar Rally organizers to plan the routes for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 events.
*Rally Raid competition‑specification Defender vehicles are for use in the Dakar Rally and not available at retail.
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