With the Dakar Rally just weeks away from kicking off the 47th edition of the famed event, held for the sixth time in Saudi Arabia, Land Rover announces its intentions to compete head-to-head with Ford in the top class for the 2026 event.

More details about the Defender factory entry are to come soon, but the 47th version of the pinnacle event in rally is set to kick off on January 3, 2025. Road & Track has reached out to Jaguar Land Rover North America for additional details about the Defender rally car and its Dakar partnership; we'll update this story if we gear back.

The British marque has announced that a Defender will compete in the 2026 edition of the Dakar Rally. The move is part of a multi-year partnership between the automaker and the notoriously difficult race that will run through at least 2028. First Drive: This New Open-Top SUV Is a 760 HP Beast That Blends Vintage Vibes With Modern Handling

JLR is in the process of transforming its Defender nameplate into a standalone brand focused on adventure vehicles, and as part of the transformation, the automaker will enter a Defender factory team in the grueling Dakar Rally in 2026.

Danilo Petrucci will enter next season's Dakar Rally, but in shock machinery. He won't be riding a motorcycle or driving a car. Instead, the maverick Petrucci is entering the truck category at the 2025 Dakar Rally. He has announced a link-up with Italtrans Racing Team and Prometeon Tyre Group for his next adventure.

British marque, JLR, has announced that its Defender brand will enter the Dakar Rally series in 2026.The British car brand will enter as a works team from the 2026 season, using a Dakar race-spec version

The impossible challenge of the Dakar has become the ideal battleground for the ever-growing and competitive automotive brands. It is the main stage where vehicles and drivers are tested in

The legendary Defender brand is poised to make a significant impact in the world of motorsport by becoming the official car partner of the renowned Dakar

Before 2026 comes 2025, and in 2025 Land Rover will be the ‘official car partner’ of the Dakar Rally, which means it’ll provide a fleet of Defenders to support the event. They’ll have jobs like transporting racers and other VIPs around, while six Defenders will be specially modified to “test routes for future Dakar events.”

Choosing to take on the Dakar Rally is not for drivers or manufacturers who are faint of heart. Dakar is challenging for many reasons, not the least of which is its 4901 miles of loose, sandy surface that cars have to conquer — but the folks at Land Rover are up for the challenge.