Defender Rally Triumphs at the 2026 Dakar Rally

In an astounding debut, Defender Rally has emerged as the champion of the 2026 Dakar Rally, renowned as the most challenging off-road competition globally. Drivers Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal triumphed in the Stock class driving the Defender Dakar D7X-R, marking a remarkable achievement for the team.

Racing Over Relentless Terrain

The Dakar Rally is not for the faint-hearted. Over a grueling two-week period, the team navigated treacherous landscapes across the Saudi Arabian desert. Fellow teammates Sara Price and Sean Berriman claimed the second spot in the competition, while the legendary Stéphane Peterhansel, along with co-driver Mika Metge, secured fourth place within the same Stock class rankings.

Stage 13: A Defining Moment

The final stage, Stage 13, was a moment of glory for Baciuška and Vidal, who finished the heat in a record time of 55 minutes and 51 seconds. Following closely behind were Peterhansel and Metge, with Price and Berriman finishing strong in third place. Their combined performance showcased exceptional teamwork and strategy.

A Dominant Performance

The Defender Rally teams demonstrated their resilience by achieving a first, second, and third-place finish across 10 out of the 13 stages. This remarkable feat of consistency emphasized their dedication and skill, with the trio collectively covering an impressive total of 24,000 kilometers during the competition.

Insights from the Winning Drivers

Rokas Baciuška expressed his joy, stating, “Dreams come true, and winning Dakar was mine. For our first year, it’s incredible. Our mechanics worked tirelessly, often late into the night, to prepare our cars. I can’t thank the whole team enough for this success. To finish P1 and P2 is just outstanding.”

Sara Price reflected on the emotional aspect of the event: “The Dakar Rally was unbelievable. Our goal was to complete the final stage as a united team, and witnessing the excitement of our crew at the finish line highlighted what this journey means to us.”

Stéphane Peterhansel, a seasoned competitor with 14 Dakar victories, added, “The final stage was quick and dynamic. We aimed to win the Stock class, and seeing Rocas first and Sara in second place was fantastic. Despite a few complications along the way, the camaraderie among the team made this adventure remarkable.”

Specifications of the Defender Dakar D7X-R

The winning Defender Dakar D7X-R shares its roots with the production Defender OCTA, with both vehicles assembled on the same line at Defender’s modern facility in Nitra, Slovakia. While retaining the robust D7x body architecture and the powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the D7X-R model underwent modifications to fit the rigorous demands of World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) competition. Enhancements included a wider track, increased ride height, improved suspension, and advanced cooling systems.

Support from Partners

Throughout the 2026 Dakar Rally, Defender Rally benefitted from the support of esteemed partners including Castrol, YETI, Bilstein, Bell & Ross, and Epic Games, alongside official suppliers Shackleton and Alpinestars. Their contributions were vital in the preparation and competition phases.

Team Pride and Future Aspirations

Mark Cameron, Managing Director of Defender, expressed his excitement: “I’m both exhilarated and amazed. To witness all three Defenders cross the finish line together is the pinnacle of our team’s effort. Winning in our first race is unprecedented, and I cannot emphasize enough the pride I feel.”

Alan James, Team Principal of Defender Rally, echoed this sentiment. “I couldn’t be prouder of our team. The way everyone came together to achieve this win is simply remarkable. I look forward to celebrating this victory and am especially thankful to Rokas and Oriol, as well as every team member involved in this journey.”

The Defender Rally team is already gearing up for the next round of the World Rally-Raid Championship, set to take place at the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal from March 17-22, 2026. As they continue to build on their success, the excitement for future competitions is palpable.