06 Jan 2025
Defender, a name synonymous with resilience and exploration, is set to redefine its legacy in the world of motorsport. The iconic British adventure brand has been announced as the official car partner of the Dakar Rally from 2025, with plans to debut a Defender works team in 2026. This collaboration with the world’s toughest rally raid event cements Defender’s reputation as a champion of durability and performance in the most challenging conditions.
The partnership, spanning from the 2025 Dakar Rally through to 2028, will see a fleet of Defenders supporting the event, transporting rally officials and VIP media throughout the competition. Among these will be six specially outfitted Defender recce vehicles, entrusted to assist the Amaury Sport Association (ASO) in testing routes for future rallies. From the Empty Quarter’s unyielding sands to the rugged landscapes of Saudi Arabia, these vehicles will embody Defender’s enduring spirit of adventure.
Defender’s ambitions reach beyond its role as a support vehicle. Starting in 2026, a factory-backed Defender works team will take on the Dakar Rally, showcasing the brand’s legendary off-road capability and engineering prowess. James Barclay, JLR Motorsport Managing Director, will lead this pioneering effort. Reflecting on the challenge, Barclay describes Dakar as the "Everest of motorsport," emphasizing the symbiotic test of human determination and vehicle resilience.
Mark Cameron, Defender Managing Director, highlights the alignment of the brand’s ethos with the Dakar Rally’s spirit of adventure. “Adventure is in the very DNA of the Defender brand,” he notes, “and our partnership with Dakar – the ultimate motorsport adventure – is a perfect fit.” The Dakar works programme, scheduled to unveil further details during the 2025 rally, signals the brand’s determination to excel in the world’s most formidable off-road competition.
As the 2025 Dakar Rally approaches, spanning a breathtaking route from Bisha to Shubaytah, Defender is poised to make its mark. With a course that includes a grueling three-day traverse through the Empty Quarter, the event’s 47th edition promises an unparalleled test of endurance and innovation.
Defender’s journey into the world of Dakar is more than a partnership; it is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to exploration and its quest to embrace the impossible.
