Defender made history at the 2026 Dakar Rally, claiming victory in the Stock category on its debut. Over two weeks of punishing desert terrain, the Defender D7X‑R- developed from the Defender OCTA, and built on the same production line as all Defenders – delivered multiple stage wins and a clean sweep of podium finishes for consecutive days.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal secured the overall Stock class title, supported by teammates Sara Price and Sean Berriman in second place and Dakar legend Stéphane Peterhansel with Michaël Metge in fourth.
This marks an exciting new chapter for Defender in motorsport, with the D7X‑R proving its endurance and durability reinforcing Defender as the ultimate expression of strength and resilience.
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CAPABILITY MEETS COURAGE
Seven-time stage winner and former motocross champion Sara Price joined the Defender driver lineup for the 2026 Dakar Rally. She pushed the limits of human endurance across desert dunes and arid plains to take home 2nd place in one of the world’s most epic off-road races.
Her story now unfolds on screen in a new Discovery Channel docuseries, where she takes center stage of Defender Rally’s first Stock-class campaign. Through unseen footage and candid reflection, the series reveals the highs, lows, and hard-earned lessons that have defined her path. From 17 national motocross titles to her unshakeable quest to conquer Dakar, watch the three-part series premiering June 4th on Discovery Channel and streaming on Discovery+.
STRONG FOUNDATIONS
The Defender Dakar D7X-R competed in the new ‘Stock’ category for production-based cars at the 2026 Dakar Rally. Derived from Defender OCTA, the rally cars use the same powerful 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 powertrain as well as the tough core Defender architecture.
BORN TO RUN
The D7X-R’s bodyshell was assembled on the production line at Defender vehicle’s state-of-the-art Nitra Manufacturing center in Slovakia, before bespoke final build to ‘Stock’ rally-raid specification was completed by the Defender Rally team in the UK.
SUSTAINABLE FUEL
The Defender Dakar D7X-R runs on an advanced sustainable fuel, as defined and compliant with FIA regulations*.
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