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Dakar Dominator Stéphane Peterhansel Roars Back with Iconic Defender Brand for 2026 Rally Raid

David Castro by David Castro
May 7, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Dakar Dominator Stéphane Peterhansel Roars Back with Iconic Defender Brand for 2026 Rally Raid
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Legendary Dakar champion, Stéphane Peterhansel, is gearing up for another shot at off-road glory, this time with the revered Defender brand. The 14-time Dakar winner is set to lead a three-car assault on the Dakar Rally next year, showcasing the iconic British-based Defender in all its rugged glory.

Peterhansel, a veteran in the world of rally-raid racing, expressed his excitement about the new partnership, stating, “I am delighted to begin a new chapter with Defender. The team’s passion for winning aligns perfectly with my own drive for success.” The Frenchman will not only tackle the Dakar but also compete in the full World Rally-Raid Championship in 2026.

The upcoming Dakar campaign will see Peterhansel driving the production-based D7X-R in the newly introduced stock category. This formidable vehicle will be equipped with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, promising adrenaline-pumping performance on the challenging terrains of the Dakar Rally.

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Joining Peterhansel in this thrilling adventure is former W2RC T4 title winner, Rokas Baciuška. The young Lithuanian driver expressed his pride in being part of the Defender team, stating, “Defender is synonymous with being unstoppable and embracing the impossible, making it an honor to be part of this program.”

Defender’s competitive debut is eagerly anticipated, with a two-car entry scheduled for the Rally of Morocco, serving as a precursor to the Dakar Rally. The team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparation, with rigorous testing and development underway to ensure peak performance come race day.

James Barclay, managing director of JLR Motorsport, lauded the addition of Peterhansel and Baciuška to the team, emphasizing the wealth of experience and talent they bring to the table. With the Defender Dakar D7X-R prototype undergoing intensive testing, the team is gearing up for a thrilling season ahead.

As the countdown to the Dakar Rally 2026 begins, all eyes are on Peterhansel, Baciuška, and the Defender team as they embark on a quest for off-road supremacy. Stay tuned for more updates as these motorsport titans prepare to conquer the desert sands in the ultimate test of endurance and skill.

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