Land Rover has announced an ambitious three-year commitment to the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), culminating in a full works entry into the renowned Dakar Rally in 2026.
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This marks a significant milestone for the iconic Defender, showcasing its off-road capabilities on the world’s most challenging motorsport stage.
The Dakar Rally, often referred to as “the Everest of motorsport,” is the ultimate proving ground and a challenge for even the most robust vehicles. Land Rover’s decision to compete in the “Stock” category, designed for production-based vehicles, underscores the brand’s confidence in the inherent capabilities of the Defender. By competing in this class, Land Rover aims to demonstrate the vehicle’s exceptional durability and engineering prowess under the most extreme conditions.
Mark Cameron, Defender Managing Director, said: “There’s much work to do over the next 12 months, but with Defender works programme testing and development well underway, the team is already embracing the ultimate motorsport adventure that lies ahead from 2026.”
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The current Defender’s foundation lies in the D7x architecture, a revolutionary platform that is reputed to provide strength and rigidity. The lightweight aluminium monocoque construction, three times stiffer than traditional body-on-frame designs, ensures the vehicle can withstand the punishing terrain and unpredictable challenges encountered during the gruelling Dakar Rally.
The 2026 season will see the introduction of new sporting and technical regulations for the “Stock” category, promising a more competitive and exciting field. Land Rover is actively developing a Dakar-spec Defender, with a comprehensive testing program scheduled for autumn 2025 to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
While 2026 marks the official entry into the Dakar Rally, Land Rover will play a crucial role in the 2025 event as the official vehicle partner. A fleet of 20 Defenders will support race officials and media throughout the event, traversing the demanding terrain of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, six specialized recce vehicles will be utilized to plan the routes for the upcoming Dakar events.
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