Defender Dakar D7X‑R Rallies Legends Peterhansel and Baciuška
Defender accelerates its charge towards the 2026 Dakar Rally and FIA World Rally‑Raid Championship by completing the first Moroccan prototype test of the Defender Dakar D7X‑R and signing 14‑time Dakar champion Stéphane Peterhansel alongside emerging Lithuanian star Rokas Baciuška. Engineering crews propelled the camouflaged, 4.4‑litre twin‑turbo V8, aluminium‑bodied 4x4 across Sahara dunes, validating durability, reliability and outright performance as the British icon prepares its works debut.
Three production‑based Defender Dakar D7X‑Rs will attack the Stock category on the Dakar’s unforgiving route, while a two‑car squad will contest every remaining round of the 2026 W2RC. The milestone Moroccan shakedown launches an intensive global development schedule designed to sharpen chassis, driveline and crew before lights‑out in January 2026.
Completing our first official test in the Defender Dakar D7X‑R prototype is a huge milestone and kicks off a busy calendar of testing activity on our journey to Dakar. The team is doing phenomenal work as we prepare for the world’s most challenging off‑road race in just eight months.
“I’m also extremely proud and excited to announce the first two of our world‑class driver line‑up. The world‑renowned Stéphane Peterhansel brings a remarkable amount of practical experience to the team as the most successful Dakar Rally competitor ever. His knowledge is going to be a tremendous asset to our programme.
Rokas Baciuška is one of the most exciting and promising upcoming rally talents. He boasts an impressive track record since entering the Dakar in 2022, the same year he was crowned FIA World Rally‑Raid Champion in the T4 class.
“With Stéphane and Rokas now on board and testing of the Defender Dakar D7X‑R accelerating, it’s a hugely exciting time for the team as we focus on the work that lies ahead,” observes James Barclay, Managing Director of JLR Motorsport.
The competition D7X‑R keeps the robust D7x aluminium monocoque, transmission and driveline layout of the showroom Defender, proving that the standard architecture withstands rally‑raid extremes. Engineers will continue to refine geometry, cooling and software while the Nitra production plant welds and rivets the first batch of race shells.
Just as the Defender philosophy urges people to embrace the impossible, the desert demands exceptional physical and mental resilience. Drivers must combine fearless pace with precise judgement and relentless stamina to triumph over endless dunes, jagged rocks and punishing temperatures.
“It’s fantastic to share these first images of the Defender Dakar D7X‑R prototype with the world. The team is starting to take shape as we develop Defender to compete in the Stock category, which means the competition D7X‑R will be closely linked to the production Defender. It’s also a special moment to announce our two drivers for the W2RC in Stéphane and Rokas, each bringing something unique to the team and with human endurance such a vital component of World Rally‑Raid success.
“Competing in the Dakar Rally and W2RC will be the ultimate proving ground for Defender’s capability, durability and performance, and it won't be long until our competition Defender D7X‑R will be put through its paces on the world stage,” adds Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender.
Heralded as the most successful Dakar competitor in history, Peterhansel has started the rally 35 times on two wheels and four, claiming 14 victories. In 2026, he will contest every W2RC round in a Defender, aiming to extend his record. “I am delighted to begin a new chapter with Defender. The World Rally‑Raid Championship is the pinnacle of rallying and off‑road competition, whilst Defender is an iconic and capable 4x4, so for me it’s the perfect match. The team is committed to the championship and has a passion to win. I’m looking forward to taking on this new challenge, and together, I hope we can take Defender to the podium's top step.
“Despite competing in many Dakar Rallies before, both on bike and in cars, I’m looking forward to entering the Stock category, and I’m excited to take it head-on with this team. It’s been amazing to get behind the wheel of the Defender D7X‑R prototype for the first time in Morocco. Whilst it’s early days, our testing is moving in a positive direction for our preparation for our Dakar Rally debut in 2026,” he notes.
Baciuška, aged 25, became the first driver to clinch FIA world titles in two rally‑raid categories and finished third on his Dakar debut. “I’m incredibly excited to debut in the Stock category of the Dakar Rally, which was made even more significant by driving for Defender. Having the legendary Defender join the FIA World Rally‑Raid Championship and Dakar Rally is a historic moment in motorsport. I’m looking forward to being an integral part of that story for the brand.
“Defender is an incredible brand synonymous with being unstoppable and embracing the impossible, which is why I am so proud to participate in this programme. I can’t wait to begin my journey with the team and start testing the Defender D7X‑R for the first time in anticipation of the 2026 Dakar Rally,” he says.
Defender will announce a third driver and navigator pairing later this year. Updated 2026 FIA Stock category regulations promise higher performance limits, giving the D7X‑R a prime stage to display its rugged engineering. With car builds underway and an exhaustive test calendar ahead, the British marque focuses relentlessly on Dakar glory and a full assault on the 2026 World Rally‑Raid Championship.
