Defender OCTA to Compete in Dakar and FIA World Rally-Raid Championship by 2026
Land Rover has announced that the Defender OCTA, the most powerful and capable Defender to date, will serve as the foundation for the brand’s entry into the Dakar Rally and the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship starting in 2026. The vehicle will compete in the grueling rally-raid events, known for testing the limits of off-road performance and durability.
The Defender OCTA, designed with exceptional all-terrain capability and strength, was chosen for its suitability as a rally-raid contender. It will compete under the “Stock” category for production-based vehicles, with Land Rover entering two vehicles in all five rounds of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) and three vehicles in the Dakar Rally.
New regulations set to take effect in 2026 aim to enhance competition within the “Stock” category, making it an ideal platform for showcasing the Defender OCTA’s durability and performance. These changes align with the growing interest in high-performance 4x4s and SUVs.
Mark Cameron, Managing Director of Defender, stated:
“Dakar will be an immense challenge, but the Defender OCTA, with its powerful performance and renowned durability, provides the perfect foundation for a competitive rally-raid vehicle.”
James Barclay, JLR Motorsport Managing Director, added:
“We collaborated with the FIA, ASO, and other manufacturers to create regulations that highlight the capability of production-based vehicles. The team is already preparing for Dakar 2026 through rigorous testing and development.”
The Defender OCTA’s D7x body architecture, crafted from lightweight aluminum, forms the backbone of the competition vehicles. Its monocoque construction is three times stronger than traditional body-on-frame designs, offering superior torsional rigidity. In compliance with competition regulations, the rally vehicles will retain this architecture, along with the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, transmission, and driveline layout.
Testing and preparation for the competition are already underway, with Land Rover planning test events and a full team launch later this year. The Dakar Rally and W2RC represent the ultimate test of the Defender OCTA’s extreme durability and performance.
