Defender signs car partnership with Dakar Rally
Beginning from the 2025 edition
British automaker Defender has unveiled a meaningful partnership with the Dakar Rally, solidifying its position as the official car partner of the legendary rally event from 2025 to 2028.
This partnership is a significant milestone for Defender and the Dakar Rally, marking a new era of collaboration. From 2026, Defender will further elevate its involvement by entering the rally’s challenging competition with a works team.
From January 3-17, 2025, the Defender will play a vital role in the rally’s operations in Saudi Arabia as the official car partner. A fleet of Defenders will accompany the race, supporting officials, VIPs, and media throughout the competition. The automaker will also contribute six specialised recce vehicles to help test and map future rally routes.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the wholly‑owned subsidiary of India’s Tata Motors, manufactures the Defender series. Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) organises the Dakar Rally.
The 2025 edition of the Dakar—also the 47th edition of the rally—spans from Bisha to Shubaytah, including a challenging journey through the Empty Quarter. Defender’s role will include assisting with logistical support, ensuring smooth operations, and helping the event run smoothly.
Defender recce vehicles
Defender’s involvement goes beyond providing cars for the rally. A fleet of six specially designed Defender recce vehicles, equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, will test the race routes for upcoming Dakar events. This essential task will help organisers identify potential challenges and improve the overall event experience, demonstrating commitment to the rally’s success.
Looking ahead to 2026, Defender has confirmed that it will enter its own works team to compete in the rally. The works team, led by James Barclay, JLR Motorsport Managing Director, will testify to Defender’s engineering and performance. It will be a platform to showcase the brand’s capabilities and innovation in the most challenging conditions.
Defender’s plans to compete in the Dakar Rally in 2026 are exciting for both the brand and the rally. The team will face extreme conditions, challenging terrains, and a rigorous race schedule, which will test both the vehicles and the drivers. This will be an extraordinary opportunity for Defender to prove its durability, reliability, and engineering innovation in one of the world’s most demanding off-road events.
James Barclay, the leader of the Defender Dakar works team, stated: “Anyone who loves motorsport will have a passion for Dakar. It is the Everest of motorsport, and we’re thrilled to bring Defender into this iconic race.”
