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Defender World
DEFENDER RALLY Motorsport

European Model Shown.

Defender makes its competitive team debut in the 2026 Dakar Rally and the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.

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EPIC ADVENTURES

As the world’s toughest off-road challenge, the competition provides a platform to showcase the strength, capability and durability of Defender.
Defender Dakar front 3-4th side view
Defender Dakar back view

European Model Shown.

STRONG FOUNDATIONS

The Defender Dakar D7X-R will compete in the new ‘Stock’ category for production-based vehicles at the 2026 Dakar Rally. Derived from Defender OCTA, the rally vehicles use the same powerful 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 powertrain as well as the tough core Defender architecture.
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Defender Dakar side profile parked
Defender dakar front profile

European Model Shown.

DEFENDER DAKAR PARKED IN STUDIO TOP side 3-4 view

BORN TO RUN

The D7X-R’s bodyshell was assembled on the production line at Defender vehicle's state-of-the-art Nitra Manufacturing center in Slovakia, before bespoke final build to ‘Stock’ rally-raid specification was completed by the Defender Rally team in the UK. 

European Model Shown.
DEFENDER DAKAR PARKED IN STUDIO TOP side 3-4 view

BORN TO RUN

The D7X-R’s bodyshell was assembled on the production line at Defender vehicle's state-of-the-art Nitra Manufacturing center in Slovakia, before bespoke final build to ‘Stock’ rally-raid specification was completed by the Defender Rally team in the UK. 

European Model Shown.

DRIVERS

Three rally legends will compete for Defender in all rally-raid events.

RALLY LEGEND PORTRAITS WITH HELMAT

STÉPHANE PETERHANSEL

RALLY LEGEND ROKAS WITH HELMATE

ROKAS BACIUŠKA

RALLY LEGEND SARA WITH HELLMATE

SARA PRICE

NAVIGATORS

Each of our drivers will be joined by an experienced navigator.

RALLY LEGEND MIKA METGE WITH HELMAT

MIKA METGE

RALLY LEGEND ORIOL VIDAL WITH HELMAT

ORIOL VIDAL

RALLY LEGEND ROKAS BACIUŠKA WITH HELMAT

SEAN BERRIMAN

Defender Dakar lower view of tyre

SUSTAINABLE FUEL

The Defender Dakar D7X-R will run on an advanced sustainable fuel, as defined and compliant with FIA regulations*.

European Model Shown.
Defender Dakar lower view of tyre

SUSTAINABLE FUEL

The Defender Dakar D7X-R will run on an advanced sustainable fuel, as defined and compliant with FIA regulations*.

European Model Shown.

OUR PARTNERSHIPS

A portfolio of world-class partners has joined Defender Rally for the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship.

Castrol logo in bold red text on a white background.

CASTROL

Castrol has developed products at the heart of numerous technological feats on land, in the air, sea and space. Their partnership with Defender Rally test a range of lubricants in extreme environments.
Bilstein logo with white text on a blue background and a yellow section featuring a black spring graphic.

BILSTEIN

Innovative, exclusive, trusted and precisely tailored to the individual performance characteristics of each vehicle model. Each Bilstein product is engineered for maximum performance and durability.
Shackleton logo with white background.

SHACKLETON

Inspired by Sir Ernest Shackleton and supported by his descendants, Shackleton is a British exploration and supply company that exists to inspire, enable and equip adventurers to live courageously.
Alpinestar logo with a white background.

ALPINESTARS

Alpinestars is a world-leading manufacturer of high-performance apparel and technical footwear, creating advanced technical equipment for world racing’s top teams and athletes.

*Complies with FIA regulations – ‘FIA Appendix J, Article 266 - Energy Regulations for Competition Vehicles, Article 3 - Advanced Sustainable Fuel, 3.2 AS Gas’.