Parent company JLR left no stone unturned while testing and developing the new-age second-generation Defender. And now, Defender – the luxury British adventure brand will take its verified status of being one of the world’s toughest off-roaders up a notch as it announces a three-year FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) campaign, beginning in 2026.
As per the agreement, Defender will run a two-vehicle entry across the full five rounds of the W2RC. This stint shall also include a three-car entry in the championship’s halo event and one of the toughest, most gruesome endurance races on the planet – the Dakar Rally. Defender will compete in FIA’s ‘Stock’ vehicle category which itself is set for a major update to the sporting and technical regulations awaiting implementation in 2026.
Until 2026’s entry to Dakar, Defender will play a key role in the 2025 rally as the event’s official vehicle partner. A fleet of 20 Defenders will support the event, which begins in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, and ends in Shubaytah, transporting race officials and VIP media. Furthermore, six highly specialised Defender recce vehicles will be used by Dakar Rally organisers to plan the routes for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 events.
Mark Cameron, Defender Managing Director, said: “Dakar 2025 begins today. Defender is already here showcasing its capability and durability through our official car partnership, but to know that in 12 months we’ll be back with a three-car Defender works team entry at the beginning of a full FIA World Rally Raid Championship campaign is incredibly exciting. We have chosen to compete in the ‘Stock’ category to showcase the toughness and dependability of the production Defender.