JLR will enter the prestigious Dakar Rally in 2026 with its Defender brand, marking a significant expansion of the company's motorsport activities. The announcement comes as part of a multi-year partnership with the legendary off-road event.

The Defender works program will be led by JLR Motorsport managing director James Barclay, joining the company's existing Formula E effort with Jaguar. While detailed specifications remain under wraps until the 2025 Dakar Rally, the partnership begins next year with Defender serving as the event's official vehicle partner.

"Adventure is in the very DNA of the Defender brand," said Defender managing director Mark Cameron. "We are inspired to partner with Dakar – the ultimate motorsport adventure – where competitors truly embrace the impossible."

As part of the partnership, Defender will provide:

• Official vehicles for event officials and VIP media
• Specially-prepared reconnaissance vehicles for testing future rally routes
• Support vehicles throughout the year

Dakar rally director David Castera welcomed the partnership, noting Defender's global reputation for reliability and robustness. The brand joins recent factory entries from Ford and Dacia, with their programs led by M-Sport and Prodrive respectively.

The 2025 Dakar Rally, starting January 3, marks the event's 47th running and fifth edition in Saudi Arabia. The rally moved from its original Senegal location in 2007, briefly stopping in Central Europe before settling in South America from 2009 to 2019, and finally finding its current home in the Middle East from 2020.

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