With the Dakar Rally just weeks away from kicking off the 47th edition of the famed event, held for the sixth time in Saudi Arabia, Land Rover announces its intentions to compete head-to-head with Ford in the top class for the 2026 event. The British company is building a Defender-looking machine as part of a “multi-year” effort. Beginning this year Defender will be the official partner of the event, supplying vehicles for recce, event support, and transportation for VIPs and officials. The details of Land Rover’s 2026 effort will be announced in January at a conference held during the 2025 event.
Mark Cameron, Defender Managing Director: “Adventure is in the very DNA of the Defender brand, so we are inspired to partner with Dakar – the ultimate motorsport adventure – where competitors truly embrace the impossible.”
“Our partnership begins in 2025 when Defender will showcase its capability and durability as the official car of the event, but we are already looking to the future and entering a Defender Dakar works team from 2026. That Defender Dakar works program will be led by James Barclay, JLR Motorsport Managing Director, and I know James and his team are inspired by the challenge that lays ahead.”
Since Audi abandoned its factory effort following its recent event victory with Carlos Sainz, the top class is looking a little bare at the moment. Toyota remains in contention with its Hilux Dakar Evo T1U, and Ford’s M-Sport will enter the race with a fresh Raptor T1+ come January. Both truck teams will have a bit more experience than Land Rover when its new vehicle debuts for 2026, and both teams have driver crews with serious Dakar chops. Land Rover’s effort is really going to hinge on its ability to build a great car and hire great drivers.
James Barclay, JLR Motorsport Managing Director: “Anyone who loves motorsport will have a passion for Dakar. It’s the Everest of motorsport and an event where success is dependent as much on human determination in the toughest of conditions as it is ultimate test for vehicle and engineering capability. Bringing one of the world’s most capable and iconic 4×4 to the world’s most iconic rally‑raid is a perfect fit.”
“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. We will share more details of this exciting program at the Dakar rally in 2025.”
I really look forward to seeing what kind of crew Team Defender can put together in just a year and a bit. I’d really like to see a good solid fight at the front from all three teams in 2026.
