Jaguar Land Rover is the latest car manufacturer to commit to a Dakar program with a factory Defender team competing on the event in 2026.
While the team is busy developing a race car for the season after next, Defender will be seen extensively throughout the Saudi Arabian marathon in January courtesy of an official car supplier agreement.
JLR Motorsport managing director James Barclay said: “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 the world’s most capable and iconic four-wheel drive 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 programme at the Dakar Rally in 2025.”
Defender managing director Mark Cameron added: “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. I know James [Barclay] and his team are inspired by the challenge that lays ahead.”
Dakar director David Castera said Defender’s arrival on his event could only help strengthen both brands.
“We are thrilled to welcome Defender as the new official car partner of the Dakar,” said Castera. “It is an iconic brand, present on all continents, that shares our passion for adventure, performance, and innovation.
“We are also excited that Defender will accompany us throughout the year, providing vehicles for the organizing teams and for the route reconnaissance. Their reliability and robustness will help us improve our daily efficiency. Furthermore, starting in 2026, Defender will enter the competition as an official team. Together, we will shine a spotlight on Dakar on the international stage and offer a unique experience to all.”
Defender is the latest brand to commit to a major off-road campaign, with Ford and Dacia running T1+ cars on January’s Dakar for the first time.
