By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
    Auto ShowsShow More
    LDV (Maxus as Known in China) Makes a Bold Statement at Shanghai Motor Show
    April 30, 2025
    Upcoming OMODA C3 redefines the crossover with cyber-mecha aesthetics
    April 29, 2025
    Mazda Unveils MAZDA EZ-60 New Electric SUV at Auto Shanghai 2025 
    April 29, 2025
    Chery unveils HIMLA brand at 2025 Shanghai Auto Show
    April 28, 2025
    World Champion to drive special Volkswagen Polo at Simola Hillclimb
    April 28, 2025
  • Bikes
    BikesShow More
    BMW Motorrad presents the new R 18 models
    January 22, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the BMW Concept F 450 GS
    November 5, 2024
    BMW Motorrad presents the new bikes
    November 1, 2024
    24YM HONDA NX500
    October 15, 2024
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW C 400 GT and BMW C 400 X
    October 15, 2024
  • News
    NewsShow More
    100 YEARS ON, CITROËN CONTINUES TO ELECTRIFY THE WORLD
    May 7, 2025
    New Swift bags more silverware at 2025 South African Car of the Year competition
    May 7, 2025
    Introducing the All-New Jeep Compass
    May 7, 2025
    Volvo Car South Africa makes EV ownership easier with new Guaranteed Future Value offers
    May 7, 2025
    Suzuki toasts strong April sales and 300,000 milestone
    May 7, 2025
  • Concepts
    ConceptsShow More
    Audi unveils Q6 e-tron offroad concept
    January 28, 2025
    CITROEN PRESENTS C5 AIRCROSS CONCEPT
    October 15, 2024
    Lotus Unveils Theory 1:  The Future Of Intelligent Performance
    September 23, 2024
    First sketches of Škoda Enyaq RS Race
    May 3, 2024
    W16 Mistral: the art of bringing Bugatti’s ultimate roadster to life
    January 24, 2024
  • EVs
    EVsShow More
    Mazda Unveils MAZDA EZ-60 New Electric SUV at Auto Shanghai 2025 
    April 29, 2025
    RANGE ROVER ELECTRIC PROTOTYPES EXCEL IN LATEST WINTER TESTING AND DEVELOPMENT CYCLE
    April 25, 2025
    ELECTRIFIED LUXURY REDEFINED: THE ALL-NEW LEXUS ES
    April 24, 2025
    Volvo EX90 claims World Luxury Car title
    April 17, 2025
    DFSK South Africa rolls out EC35 Electric Panel Van
    April 15, 2025
  • Motosport
    MotosportShow More
    TGRSA HEADS TO GQEBERHA FOR ROUND 3 OF SATC CHAMPIONSHIP
    May 7, 2025
    GR CUP GEARS UP FOR ROUND 3 AT GQEBERHA’S ALDO SCRIBANTE CIRCUIT
    May 7, 2025
    Defender completes first Rally-Raid prototype test and signs Dakar Rally legend
    May 7, 2025
    Neil Woolridge Motorsport unveils all-new, competitor-rivalling NWM Evo Plus
    May 7, 2025
    Podium for Nick Cassidy and Jaguar TCS Racing in Monaco
    May 5, 2025
  • Trucks & Buses
    Trucks & BusesShow More
    Volvo reaches milestone with 5,000 electric trucks sold worldwide
    April 29, 2025
    HINO ONCE AGAIN ANSWERS FARMERS’ CALL FOR HELP
    April 24, 2025
    Daimler Truck Southern Africa appoints Wolf Edmayr as the General Manager of TruckStore
    March 28, 2025
    ISUZU Motors South Africa Celebrates 60 Years of Isuzu Trucks in South Africa
    March 3, 2025
    Itumeleng Segage, General Manager of Hino South Africa
    HINO SCORES MORE THAN 99% IN ALL FOUR CUSTOMER CARE SURVEY CATEGORIES
    February 5, 2025
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    ISUZU MU-X Range Refreshed with Increased Luxury, Style and Safety
    May 5, 2025
    Tow Like a Pro with the Ford Ranger
    April 10, 2025
    MEET THE ALL-NEW LEXUS GX: A PREMIUM OFF-ROADER REIMAGINED
    April 8, 2025
    Aston Martin Vanquish Volante: The world’s fastest, most powerful front-engine convertible
    March 29, 2025
    The legend grows: introducing the Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48v and GR SPORT II
    March 29, 2025
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    Chery unveils AiMOGA: Revolutionising the car-buying experience through intelligent robotics
    April 24, 2025
    Volvo Cars uses AI and virtual worlds with the aim to create safer cars
    March 21, 2025
    Chery drives AI innovation with DeepSeek partnership
    March 3, 2025
    Stellantis Unveils STLA AutoDrive
    February 20, 2025
    Mercedes-Benz and Google Partner on AI-powered Conversational Search within Navigation Systems
    January 14, 2025
Hot News
100 YEARS ON, CITROËN CONTINUES TO ELECTRIFY THE WORLD
New Swift bags more silverware at 2025 South African Car of the Year competition
TGRSA HEADS TO GQEBERHA FOR ROUND 3 OF SATC CHAMPIONSHIP
GR CUP GEARS UP FOR ROUND 3 AT GQEBERHA’S ALDO SCRIBANTE CIRCUIT
Introducing the All-New Jeep Compass
Latest News

BYD launches BYD SHARK 6 in the South African market

Latest News

Stellantis, BlackBerry QNX and AWS Launch Virtual Cockpit, Transforming In-Vehicle Software Engineering

Motosport

TGR continues 2024 W2RC campaign in Portugal and Spain

Latest NewsTrucks & Buses

Daimler Truck keeps going strong in Q2 2023

Font ResizerAa
The Auto MagazineThe Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Search
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Follow US
Crafted by Intellegere Media. © 2024 The Auto Magazine. All rights reserved.
Motosport

Defender completes first Rally-Raid prototype test and signs Dakar Rally legend

Itumeleng Garebatshabe
Last updated: May 7, 2025 13:04
By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
48 Views
11 Min Read
Share
11 Min Read
SHARE
  • Prototype testing of the newly-named Defender Dakar D7X-R, the works rally-raid competitor, begins ahead of the 2026 Dakar Rally and World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC)
  • The Defender Rally team also reveals its first two drivers: French 14-time Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel and talented Lithuanian Rokas Baciuška
  • Tested in the Sahara Desert, the Defender Dakar D7X-R prototype – which will compete in the ‘Stock’ category – wears a distinctive test camouflage ahead of a full team launch later this year
  • Initial Morocco test is a significant milestone in the journey to the 2026 Dakar Rally, with extreme desert conditions mirroring those the team will tackle on the Dakar in January 2026

Original British adventure brand Defender has accelerated its preparations for entering the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) by completing prototype test activity in Morocco with the Defender Dakar D7X-R, in addition to signing two stellar drivers.

Fourteen-time Dakar Rally winner Stéphane Peterhansel will join the Defender Rally team for the ultimate epic adventure, alongside emerging talent Rokas Baciuška. French driver Peterhansel joined the Defender Rally team in Morocco, successfully completing early test activity with the first prototype of the Defender Dakar D7X-R as they began preparations for competing at the Dakar Rally in January 2026 – an event renowned as the world’s most gruelling long-distance off-road race.

Defender, the iconic and unstoppable 4×4, which is designed and engineered for capability and durability, will make its works debut at the Dakar Rally, where three Defender Dakar D7X-Rs will compete in the ‘Stock’ category for production-based cars. A two-car entry will contest the remaining rounds of the 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).

James Barclay, Managing Director of JLR Motorsport, said: “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’ time.

“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 huge asset to our programme.

“Rokas Baciuška is one of the most exciting and promising upcoming rally talents, boasting an impressive track record since he first entered 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 lays ahead.”

DEFENDER DAKAR D7X-R
The Defender Dakar D7X-R, the team’s purpose-built, production-based, competition challenger, will share the same robust D7x aluminium body architecture, transmission and driveline layout as production Defenders, testament to its extreme durability and strength. The Defender Dakar D7X-R is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, and the prototype is wrapped in a distinctive camouflage design. It was put through its paces to verify the reliability, durability and capability baselines in the demanding sand dunes of the Sahara Desert.

Just like Defender’s embrace the impossible ethos, having impressive physical and mental strength as a driver is a prerequisite for success. Drivers will be tested to the extreme in the harshest of environments, and only those possessing a determined spirit, unwavering bravery and a passion for adventure will have what it takes. All of the Defender Rally team’s drivers will demonstrate their fearless speed, meticulous skill and unwavering stamina in the heat of competition.

Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender, said: “It’s a fantastic feeling to be sharing these first images of the Defender Dakar D7X-R prototype with the world. The team is really starting to take shape as we develop Defender to compete in the Stock category – which means the competition D7X-R will be very 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 of them bringing something unique to the team and with human endurance being 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.”

STÉPHANE PETERHANSEL
Heralded as the most successful Dakar Rally driver of all time, Peterhansel – who completed Defender testing duties in the Sahara – is no stranger to the demands of the desert. The 59-year-old has competed in the Dakar Rally 35 times on both bike and car and has won the ultimate epic adventure 14 times. In 2026, Stephane will race for Defender in all rounds of the W2RC, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team, and will help pave the way for Defender’s future in the sport as he strives to build on his record win tally. 

Stéphane Peterhansel said: “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 4×4, 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 top step of the podium.

“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.”

ROKAS BACIUŠKA
Joining Peterhansel in the newly-established team is 25-year-old Rokas Baciuška – one of the most talented young prospects within the rally world and the first driver in the history of the FIA to win world champion titles in two different categories. In 2022, Rokas made his Dakar Rally debut, being the youngest Lithuanian to take part in the event and finished third in the T4 category. He went on to complete the 2022 W2RC with four podiums, including winning the 2022 Rallye du Maroc, resulting in him securing the overall W2RC championship in T4. Rokas finished second in the T4 category of the 2023 Dakar Rally and third in the T3 category of the 2024 Dakar Rally. Rokas demonstrates an impressive track record in the W2RC and will aim to build on his success with Defender for the 2026 championship.

Rokas Baciuška, said: “I’m extremely excited to make my debut in the Stock category of the Dakar Rally, made even more significant by driving for Defender. Having the legendary Defender join the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship and Dakar Rally is an historic moment in motorsport and for the brand, and I’m looking forward to being an integral part of that story.

“Defender is an incredible brand synonymous with being unstoppable and embracing the impossible, which is why I am so proud to be a part of 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.”

The third driver for the team’s Dakar Rally campaign will be announced at a later date, along with the drivers’ navigators.

WORLD RALLY-RAID CHAMPIONSHIP ‘STOCK’ CATEGORY
The 2026 edition of the of the W2RC will implement new regulations that are aimed at making the ‘Stock’ category significantly more competitive overall, as the FIA and Dakar organisers respond to the increasing capacity and popularity of high-performance 4x4s and SUVs. These new regulations will allow increased performance benefits, giving Defender the opportunity to showcase its extreme durability and capability through the harshest terrains.

The build of Defender’s official competition cars has also started, with the bodies of the cars coming off the line at JLR’s Nitra production plant. An exhaustive test programme is planned before a full team launch later this year ahead of Dakar and the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship in 2026.

TAGGED:2026 Dakar Rally and World Rally-Raid ChampionshipDefender Dakar D7X-RJLR MotorsportRokas BaciuškaStéphane PeterhanselW2RC

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Stay Updated! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn VKontakte Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
ByItumeleng Garebatshabe
Editor
Follow:
Itumeleng is the Managing Editor of The Auto Magazine. He is a tech and car enthusiast

Follow US

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
TelegramFollow
Google NewsFollow
LinkedInFollow

You Might Also Like

Motosport

DACIA PRESENTS SANDRIDER: ADVENTUROUS BRAND HEADS FOR DAKAR!

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
February 6, 2024
Motosport

Dakar Rally 2024: Team Audi Sport ahead of a great challenge

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
December 23, 2023
Motosport

Defender OCTA to provide foundations for Dakar and FIA World Rally-Raid Championship entry

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
January 20, 2025
Motosport

TOYOTA GAZOO RACING SOUTH AFRICA READY TO TACKLE DAKAR 2025 AFTER DOMINATING SARRC SEASON

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
December 11, 2024
BP Ultimate Rally Raid 2024 – Prologue
Motosport

Solid start for Toyota as TGR takes on W2RC Round 3 in Portugal

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 4, 2024
Motosport

SANDERS TIGHTENS HIS GRIP AS LOEB TOPPLES AL ATTIYAH

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 26, 2023

The Auto Magazine

  • Advertise
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Bikes
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Auto Shows
  • Latest News
  • Motosport

Crafted by Intellegere Media. All rights reserved. 2024

Don't not sell my personal information
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner