Defender signals its off-road racing intentions with a thrilling public debut of the Dakar-ready D7X-R prototype, as momentum builds for a bold campaign in the 2026 Dakar Rally and World Rally-Raid Championship.
Pretoria, South Africa – Thursday, 17 July 2025 – Defender’s motorsport ambitions took a major leap forward last weekend with the global public debut of the latest Defender Dakar D7X-R prototype at the iconic Goodwood Festival of Speed. Drawing thousands of spectators from around the world, the event provided the perfect platform for Defender Rally to showcase the extreme capabilities of its evolving race machine ahead of its entry into the competitive ‘Stock’ category of the 2026 Dakar Rally and World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).
The D7X-R, a competition-prepared version of the Defender 110, made a striking impression on the famous Goodwood Hillclimb across all four days of the festival. Complementing this high-speed run, the car also took on the rigours of the Off-Road Arena, navigating a punishing mix of terrain to prove its mettle in real-world conditions.
Adding further excitement to the showcase were appearances by Defender’s newly signed racing talent: four-time Dakar stage winner Sara Price and the legendary Stéphane Peterhansel, the most decorated competitor in Dakar history with 14 overall wins to his name. Their presence brought authentic rally pedigree to the unveiling and offered fans a first look at the driver line-up that will pilot Defender into its next motorsport era.
“I’ve loved being at Goodwood,” said Sara Price. “The Hillclimb was awesome, and the Off-Road Arena gave us a chance to really push the car’s limits. It felt great—like the total package. This prototype is already impressive, but we’re just getting started.”
Peterhansel echoed that enthusiasm: “It’s an honour to be part of this new chapter. Going back to Dakar with a production-based vehicle feels like a return to the roots of rallying. To do that with Defender, a brand built on off-road heritage, is something truly special.”
Shaping the Rally-Ready Defender
The prototype seen at Goodwood represents the second phase of the D7X-R’s development, incorporating a series of key upgrades informed by initial testing in the Moroccan dunes earlier this year. Enhancements include:
- 17-inch bespoke wheels with 35-inch tyres, designed for increased durability and off-road resilience
- Wider track width and raised ride height, aligning closely with final race specifications for improved capability
- A motorsport-grade steering rack, offering sharper handling and improved response
- Removal of the standard exhaust system, enhancing airflow and performance
These refinements bring the vehicle ever closer to the final competition-ready version, which is set to be revealed later in 2025.
Building the Team
As the technical side of the programme advances, so too does the broader infrastructure around Defender Rally. Two key partners have now been confirmed:
- Castrol, a long-standing performance lubricant specialist, joins as Official Fluids Partner. Its products will ensure the D7X-R performs at its peak throughout the demanding five-round W2RC series.
- Shackleton, the British expedition and performance apparel company, has come on board as Official Expedition Apparel Supplier. Their high-performance gear will outfit the Defender Rally team across testing and competitive environments.
These collaborations underline Defender’s commitment to a credible and competitive rally programme—one that honours the vehicle’s heritage while pushing its limits in the toughest environments on earth.
Looking Ahead to Dakar 2026
The 2026 Dakar Rally’s revised Stock category is set to become one of the most fiercely contested segments in the off-road racing calendar, offering manufacturers a unique opportunity to prove the durability and capability of production-based vehicles. Defender’s entry with the D7X-R is both a nod to its legendary roots and a bold statement of intent.
As testing intensifies and anticipation builds, Defender Rally is gearing up to turn heads in the desert—and rewrite what’s possible for a modern, production-based off-road racer.
