Iconic Defender Joins 2026 Dakar Rally: Peterhansel & Baciuška Aboard

Prototype Defender D7X-R Hits the Dunes Ahead of 2026 Dakar Rally

Morocco, May 7, 2025 – The iconic British adventure brand, Defender, has revealed its intent to compete in the 2026 Dakar Rally and World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) with the newly-named Defender Dakar D7X-R, a works rally-raid competitor in the Stock category.

Legendary Driver Lineup Announced

The Defender Rally team has also unveiled its first two drivers, the legendary Stéphane Peterhansel and rising star Rokas Baciuška, set to drive the Defender D7X-R during the 2026 Dakar Rally and the remaining rounds of the 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).

“I am delighted to begin a new chapter with Defender… The team is committed to the championship and has a passion to win. I’m looking forward to taking on this new challenge and together I hope we can take Defender to the top step of the podium.”

– 14-time Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel

“I’m extremely excited to make my debut in the Stock category of the Dakar Rally, made even more significant by driving for Defender… Having the legendary Defender join the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship and Dakar Rally is an historic moment in motorsport and for the brand, and I’m looking forward to being an integral part of that story.”

– Rokas Baciuška

Defender Dakar D7X-R: Built to Conquer

Based on a production model, the Defender Dakar D7X-R has undergone extensive testing in the demanding dunes of the Sahara Desert, validating its reliability, durability, and all-terrain performance. Powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and wrapped in a distinctive camouflage design, the prototype shares crucial components with production Defenders, making it a true test of the brand’s capability.

New Regulations Boost Stock Category Competition

The 2026 W2RC will introduce new regulations to make the ‘Stock’ category more competitive, allowing Defender to showcase its extreme durability and capability through harsh terrains. The build of Defender’s official competition cars has started, with an exhaustive test programme planned before a full team launch later this year.

Did You Know?

Originally known as the ‘Paris–Dakar Rally’, this iconic race was first held in 1978 and has since become the most prestigious rally raid in the world.

What’s Next?

• The Defender Rally team will continue testing the Defender D7X-R prototype throughout the year.
• The remaining driver and co-driver lineups will be announced later in 2025.
• The 2026 Dakar Rally will take place in January 2026, followed by the remaining rounds of the W2RC.

Join the Conversation

Share your thoughts on Defender’s entry into the 2026 Dakar Rally and W2RC. Who do you think will be the key contenders in the ‘Stock’ category? Let us know in the comments below.

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