Land Rover Defender set to conquer the Dakar Rally in 2026
Land Rover has announced its participation in the 2026 Dakar Rally in a recent statement.
Not stopping there, Land Rover will also serve as the official vehicle partner of the Dakar Rally for three years starting next year.
This means that Land Rover will provide a fleet of Defender models for transportation and support vehicles for the Dakar Rally until 2028.
In addition, six modified Defenders will be supplied for route testing for the upcoming race.
While the Defender is renowned for its off-road driving capabilities, this marks the first time a formal Defender team has participated in the Dakar Rally.
According to JLR Motorsport Managing Director James Barclay, “Our first time ever with a factory entry into the Dakar means we are right at the beginning of our journey.
“We are conscious of how much we have to learn and achieve before taking the start in 2026, but we are already well under way and looking forward to the adventure.”
More details about the program will be revealed prior to the 2025 Dakar Rally.
The 47th edition of the Dakar Rally, located in Saudi Arabia, will take place from January 3 to January 17 next year, covering a route from Bisha to Shubaytah across the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert.
