From 2025 (3-17 January), Defender will be Dakar Rally’s Official Vehicle Partner, and the partnership will continue until 2028. In 2026, the Defender Factory Team will compete in the world’s most challenging rally event.
The partnership will provide a Defender fleet to support the event, transporting rally officials and critical media throughout the competition. Alongside the Defender brand throughout Dakar, a fleet of six dedicated Defender reconnaissance vehicles will also be provided to support Dakar Organisation officials in testing the roads for future Dakar events.
Defender has confirmed its intention to enter a factory team starting in 2026. Details of the future Defender rally programme will be announced during the 2025 Dakar Rally.
The Dakar is the Everest of motorsport and an event where success depends on human determination in the most challenging conditions. Bringing the world’s most potent and iconic 4x4s to the world’s most famous rally is a perfect fit.
An iconic brand present on every continent, Defender will accompany the Dakar Rally throughout the year, providing vehicles for the organising teams and reconnaissance. Its reliability and robustness will help us improve our day-to-day efficiency. From 2026, Defender will compete as an official team.
Land Rover Defender support vehicle group will follow the competitors in the 2025 Dakar—the 47th edition of the event and the sixth in Saudi Arabia—as they travel from Bisha to Shubaytah. The epic route involves a three-day adventure through the Empty Quarter, where the race will reach its finale.
It is worth noting that Defender, with its modern and contemporary look, has established a special status in the markets. It has preserved the great legacy of the first generation while winning the approval of the younger generations thanks to its sophisticated design, modern specifications, and high capabilities on various terrains.
