Defender begins a new rally racing journey.
Known as one of the most revered and reputable names in the world of off-roading, Defender has earned a decades-long legacy in adventuring and exploration. However, a new chapter is opening for Defender, as the brand has announced its official entry into the premier echelon of the rally racing world, beginning a three-year program in the FIA World Rally‑Raid Championship (W2RC) campaign in 2026.
During the campaign, two cars will compete in the full five rounds of the W2RC, but three cars will race in the Dakar Rally, which is the world-renowned flagship event of the championship. Competing in the “Stock” category of the championship for production-based vehicles, the Defender rally cars will use Defender’s D7x architecture, based on a lightweight aluminum monocoque for a stiff body structure conducive to successful rally performance.
The development program for the rally cars is already underway to start racing in 2026, but in 2025 as anticipation builds for the 2026 season debut, Defender will play an important role as the Dakar Rally’s official vehicle partner. 20 Defender vehicles will support the event in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, transporting race officials and media as the race goes to Shubaytah. As one of the world’s greatest names in adventuring, Defender begins its rally racing legend soon.
