Defender: Official Dakar Car Partner from 2025, Competing in 2026

SAUDI ARABIA : The iconic British brand Defender has announced a historic partnership with the Dakar Rally, marking its entry as the official car partner in 2025 and the launch of a works team in 2026.

• Defender becomes the official car partner of Dakar from 2025, providing a fleet of vehicles for support and logistics.
• A Defender works team will debut in the 2026 Dakar Rally, showcasing the brand's legendary off-road capability.
• The partnership includes a multi-year agreement, extending Defender’s support through 2028.
• Defender’s commitment reflects its adventurous spirit and focus on durability and innovation.  

Defender, the renowned British 4x4 brand, has embarked on a groundbreaking journey by partnering with the Dakar Rally, widely regarded as the toughest rally raid event in the world. Starting in 2025, Defender will serve as the official car partner, offering support vehicles and logistics for the competition. 

By 2026, the brand will field its first-ever works team, solidifying its commitment to adventure, durability, and engineering excellence.  

Defender and Dakar: A Strategic Partnership  

Official Car Partner from 2025: Beginning with the 2025 Dakar Rally, Defender will provide a fleet of vehicles for rally officials and VIP media. This multi-year partnership, lasting through 2028, highlights Defender's role as a backbone of the event’s operations. Six specialized recce vehicles will also be deployed to assist in testing routes for future rallies.  

• The 2025 Dakar Rally, spanning from Bisha to Shubaytah in Saudi Arabia, will test these support vehicles across diverse terrains, including the Empty Quarter desert.
• Defender branding will feature prominently throughout the event, underscoring the brand's adventurous legacy.  

Entering the Competition in 2026: Defender’s works team will debut in the 2026 Dakar Rally, representing the brand’s first factory entry into the competition. Led by JLR Motorsport Managing Director James Barclay, the program aims to demonstrate Defender’s legendary durability in the world’s harshest off-road conditions.  

• Details of the works team and rally program will be revealed during the 2025 Dakar Rally.
• The move aligns with Defender’s mission to redefine modern off-road performance.  

Defender’s Legacy and Vision  

A History of Adventure: Since its inception in 1948, Defender has epitomized rugged versatility and reliability. Over decades, it has supported humanitarian efforts, conservation projects, and extreme off-road adventures across the globe.  

• Defender vehicles come in various body styles, including 90, 110, and 130, offering configurations for both personal and professional use.
• The Defender 110 electric hybrid reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.  

Future Ambitions with Dakar

The Dakar partnership is an extension of Defender’s adventurous DNA, blending heritage with cutting-edge technology. As Dakar Director David Castera remarked, the collaboration not only enhances the event's logistics but also emphasizes shared values of resilience, performance, and innovation.  

Defender’s entry into the Dakar Rally as both a partner and competitor represents a milestone in its storied history. The move underscores the brand's dedication to pushing boundaries and embracing challenges. With the partnership set to last until 2028, Defender is poised to make a lasting impact on the world’s most iconic rally raid event.