Starting in 2025, Land Rover will serve as the official Dakar car partner, providing a fleet of support vehicles for officials and VIP media
Land Rover has revealed plans for a Defender rally car to compete in the 2026 Dakar Rally. Additionally, the Defender brand will serve as the official Dakar car partner from 2025 to 2028, providing a fleet of SUVs to support the event.
Renowned for its off-road prowess, this marks the first time an official Defender works team will enter the Dakar Rally.
JLR aims to showcase the Defender’s “extreme durability and capability” in one of the world’s toughest off-road competitions. However, the rally version is expected to differ significantly from the standard production model, featuring extensive design and technical modifications.
The Defender works team is headed by JLR Motorsport Managing Director James Barclay, who noted, “This is our first-ever factory entry into the Dakar, marking the start of an exciting journey. We’re aware of the challenges ahead and the progress needed before the 2026 start, but we’re already making great strides and eagerly anticipating the adventure.”
The team leader revealed that more details about the program will be announced during the 2025 Dakar Rally, potentially including a teaser or official preview of the Defender-branded rally raid vehicle.
In addition to the competition entry, Land Rover will provide a fleet of Defender support vehicles for Dakar Rally officials and VIP media from 2025 through 2028. The company will also contribute six “highly specialized recce vehicles” for scouting and testing future event routes.
These modified Defenders are expected to feature off-road enhancements and carry essential equipment for their role. While the specific trim hasn’t been confirmed, the Defender Octa with its robust suspension and 626-hp (467 kW / 635 PS) twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 would be an ideal candidate.
Known as “the world’s toughest rally raid,” the 2025 Dakar Rally is scheduled to run from January 3 to 17. The 47th edition will take place in Saudi Arabia, following a grueling route that spans from Bisha to Shubaytah through the Empty Quarter desert.
