Pretoria, South Africa – Friday, 16 May 2025:
In a bold and history-making move, Defender has confirmed the signing of American motorsport phenomenon Sara Price to complete its driver line-up for the 2026 Dakar Rally—the brand’s much-anticipated debut at the world’s most gruelling off-road race.
Price, a motocross champion turned rally-raid star, joins the ranks of Dakar legend Stéphane Peterhansel and rising Lithuanian talent Rokas Baciuška as part of Defender’s factory team entry into the ‘Stock’ category of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). The team will pilot the purpose-built Defender D7X-R, a vehicle engineered to uphold the brand’s legacy of rugged capability and modern luxury on one of motorsport’s most unforgiving stages.
At just 32, Sara Price has already carved her name into the off-road racing record books. From winning 19 national motocross titles by age 16 to making waves in four-wheeled competition, her résumé spans everything from X-Games medals and Baja SCORE International triumphs to stints in the Extreme E electric rally series with Chip Ganassi Racing. But it was her groundbreaking Dakar debut in 2024 that elevated her to global prominence: becoming the first American woman—and only the third woman in history—to win a stage at the Dakar Rally. She also finished fourth overall in the SSV class and clinched the Best Rookie title.
Speaking about her next chapter, Sara Price said:
“To join the works Defender team in its competitive debut at the Dakar Rally is a huge honour, and I cannot wait to get started. Dakar is the pinnacle of rally-raid competition, and Defender is such an iconic vehicle—known for its extreme capabilities and purpose-driven ethos. I’m proud to represent the brand at this pivotal moment in its motorsport journey.”
“The behind-the-scenes testing and preparation is seriously next-level. As a racer, I thrive on competition—and I know that with Defender, we’re setting our sights high.”
With Sara now fully integrated into the team’s extensive test and development programme, Defender continues to refine the D7X-R ahead of its rally-raid debut. These tests—conducted across a spectrum of brutal terrain—are vital to shaping a race-ready vehicle that can withstand the punishing realities of Dakar.
Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender, commented:
“The wheels are well and truly in motion for our Dakar debut. With testing progressing well and our driver line-up now complete, we’re thrilled to welcome Sara Price. Her signing marks a major moment for Defender. Together with Stéphane and Rokas, Sara will showcase not only the power and durability of our 4×4, but the spirit of adventure that defines our brand.”
Following the Dakar Rally, Peterhansel and Baciuška will continue representing Defender in the remaining rounds of the 2026 W2RC season, while Sara’s primary focus will remain on Dakar—cementing her place in one of the most exciting new manufacturer entries in the sport.
James Barclay, Managing Director, JLR Motorsport, added:
“Sara is a truly formidable talent whose achievements speak for themselves. She’s the perfect embodiment of the spirit we’re bringing to the Dakar Rally—fearless, tenacious, and relentlessly driven. Her addition completes a world-class team, and we’re confident this trio of drivers can deliver the results we’re aiming for.”
With the 2026 Dakar Rally on the horizon, anticipation is building for Defender’s first foray into the world of competitive rally-raid. Backed by engineering excellence, a relentless test programme, and a powerhouse driver line-up, Defender is ready to push boundaries—both mechanical and human—as it takes on the desert’s ultimate challenge.
