Defender to join Dakar Rally from 2026

[spudfan]

This statement from the JLR camp caught my eye.
"It was the first four-wheel drive off-roader in history, so for us to come into motorsport, it's not like we have to."
Seems the JLR publicity team would need to do a little research before some journalist pulls them up on the above.

https://www.msn.com/en-ie/cars/news/defender-to-join-dakar-rally-from-2026/ar-AA1wV39N?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ACTS&cvid=359a59308f214db7ade885717dcbf457&ei=52

[RANDLOVER]

The Dakar coverage starts today on SBS CH 30 with the 2024 recap at 14h00 AEST and the 2025 program at 17h00.

[RANDLOVER]

Land Rover Defender set to tackle 2026 Dakar Rally | Auto Express (https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/land-rover/defender/365125/land-rover-defender-set-tackle-2026-dakar-rally)

Seems like not just racing vehicles but reconnaissance ones too, 20 of.

[RANDLOVER]

Australia's Daniel Saunders is leading the bikes with a 4th win in a row, IIRC that hasn't been done since Mr Dakar Stephan Peterhansel in 1997.

[RANDLOVER]

Australian Daniel Sanders won the bikes and number 774 a LR Series 3 finished 3rd in the "Classic" overall.

Profile of KAROLIS RAISYS - KAROLIS RAISYS - Dakar (https://www.dakar.com/en/competitor/774)

There was also a Rangie in the Classics Range Rover Club | Today, Range Rover Team Dorsal 711 is proud to share a summary of their journey on the exciting sand Stage 7 of the Dakar 2025 in Saudi Arabia (https://m.facebook.com/story.php'story_fbid=1283736096208251&id=324518118796725)

There was also a Defender but it retired after Stage 9
When opportunity knocks, Docherty and Roma answer the door (https://www.dakar.com/en/news/2025/stage-10/car/when-opportunity-knocks-docherty-and-roma-answer-the-door/197031)

THE MAKINGS OF A CLASSIC 82 vehicles out of 95 in Bisha lined up ata the start of the Dakar Classic this morning. However, car no. 704, third overall, was a DNS. After limping back to the bivouac on a tow rope yesterday, the Land Rover Defender of Maxence Gublin and Anthony Sousa could not be repaired, with the gearbox beyond saving.