DEFENDER OCTA TO TACKLE THE ULTIMATE OFF-ROAD CHALLENGE: DAKAR RALLY 2026
Defender has announced its highly anticipated entry into the world's most demanding off-road motorsport event, confirming that the Defender OCTA will form the foundation of its Dakar Rally challenger from 2026. This bold move will see the performance hero of the Defender family prove its extraordinary capabilities in the most punishing terrain on the planet.
DESIGNED FOR THE EXTREMES
At the heart of OCTA's Dakar readiness is its exceptionally rigid D7x (for extreme) body architecture. This lightweight aluminium monocoque construction is three times stronger than traditional body-on-frame designs, providing the torsional rigidity essential for handling the punishing conditions of multi-day desert racing.
The OCTA's bespoke geometry and kinematic design were developed with extreme off-road performance in mind, making it the natural choice to underpin Defender's ambitious Dakar programme. Whilst competition modifications will be made, the retention of the production vehicle's core architecture demonstrates Defender's confidence in OCTA's inherent capabilities.
A COMPREHENSIVE CHAMPIONSHIP CAMPAIGN
Defender's commitment extends beyond the iconic Dakar Rally itself. The British adventure brand will field a two-vehicle entry across all five rounds of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) in the 'Stock' category for production-based vehicles, expanding to three vehicles for the championship's halo Dakar event.
The timing aligns perfectly with new regulations being implemented for the 'Stock' category in 2026, aimed at making production-based vehicles significantly more competitive. These revised rules will provide the perfect platform to authentically showcase OCTA's extraordinary performance and durability.
PREPARATION UNDERWAY
An extensive testing and development programme is already in progress as the team prepares for this ultimate challenge. The comprehensive preparation will include test events, and a full team launch later this year, building toward the 2026 Dakar Rally and World Championship campaign.
For Defender enthusiasts and motorsport fans alike, the sight of the OCTA tackling the legendary dunes, rocks, and vast open spaces of the Dakar course will be the ultimate demonstration of what happens when Defender's legendary capability is pushed to its limits in the world's most demanding off-road racing environment.