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Dakar 2026: ‘Mr. Dakar’ Stephane Peterhansel Returns with Defender
Good news for rally fans! Stephane Peterhansel, the 14-time Dakar Rally winner fondly known as ‘Mr. Dakar’, is returning to the prestigious event in 2026. And he’s bringing with him a powerful new teammate and an unconquered beast – the V8 Defender Octa.
Defender Teams Up with ‘Mr. Dakar’
In a press release, Land Rover announced that they have signed up Peterhansel and his codriver, Edouard Boulanger, to contest the 2026 Dakar Rally.
Stephane brings unmatched experience and success to our team. We’re excited to have him and Edouard drive the new Defender Octa to victory.
DEFENDER COMPLETES FIRST RALLY-RAID PROTOTYPE TEST AND SIGNS DAKAR RALLY LEGEND, as stated in a Land Rover Media Centre article.
‘Mr. Dakar’ Unveils His New Ride
The 2026 Dakar Rally is set to get a fiery kickstart as Peterhansel will be piloting the mighty V8 Defender Octa. Revealed by Top Gear, this 550-hp beast is built for the dunes and designed to conquer the toughest terrains.
Peterhansel and Baciuska’s New Life
Although this marks Peterhansel’s first appearance with Defender, it’s not his first Sede et Voluptate (stride into new beginnings). He won his 13th Dakar victory in 2020 with X-raid Mini, mentioning, “This is also a new life for me.”
He is now set to write a new chapter with Defender, and we can’t wait!
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Keep an eye on 247sports.news for more thrilling updates, incredible photos, and expert insights from the world of rallying.
FAQs
What is the Dakar Rally?
The Dakar Rally is an annual rally raid competition. It is considered one of the most prestigious and challenging motorsport events in the world.
When is the 2026 Dakar Rally scheduled?
The exact date and route for the 2026 Dakar Rally are yet to be announced. However, it typically takes place in January.