Land Rover has announced its ambitious plan to enter the FIA World Cross-Country Rally Championship (W2RC) and the Dakar Rally in 2026 with a specially designed vehicle based on the Land Rover Defender Octa. This high-performance model will compete in the ‘Stock’ class for production vehicles, which will operate under new regulations being introduced in 2026.
Defender Octa: Built for Extreme Rallying
The competition vehicles will retain the robust D7x (Extreme Conditions) chassis of the Defender Octa. Constructed with a lightweight aluminium platform, the chassis offers three times the strength of traditional body-on-frame designs and delivers exceptional torsional rigidity. This durability, combined with the Defender Octa’s advanced engineering, forms the backbone of the rally-ready models. All vehicles will also share the Defender Octa’s powertrain and drivetrain, including its powerful 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, showcasing the inherent toughness and capability of this model.
Entering the ‘Stock’ Class with a Competitive Edge
The ‘Stock’ category for production vehicles, governed by a new set of regulations in 2026, is perfectly aligned with the growing popularity of high-performance SUVs. These changes present an ideal platform for the Defender Octa to shine, demonstrating its unparalleled strength and capability in grueling desert conditions. Defender’s entry will feature a two-vehicle team across all five rounds of the W2RC, with three vehicles competing in the legendary Dakar Rally.
Pioneering Performance in Off-Road Motorsports
The decision to use the Defender Octa – the fastest and most capable Defender in history – underscores its suitability for the world’s toughest off-road events. Land Rover describes the Defender Octa as the ultimate choice for its desert rallying program, thanks to its unmatched on-road and off-road performance. The vehicle’s selection highlights the brand’s commitment to showcasing its engineering prowess in a challenging competitive environment.
Comprehensive Development and Testing
Land Rover has already initiated an extensive development program to prepare the Defender Octa for rally competition. This program includes rigorous testing and participation in preparatory events, culminating in the official launch of the rally team later this year.
Insights from JLR Leadership
Mark Cameron, Director at JLR, emphasized that competing in the world’s most demanding rallies is the ultimate test for the advanced Defender Octa, which combines high performance with legendary durability. James Barclay, Managing Director of JLR Motorsport, shared his excitement about the project, noting that working with key organizations like ASO and the FIA has helped develop the new ‘Stock’ Class regulations. Barclay highlighted the importance of this initiative in advancing the future of production vehicles in cross-country rallying.
A New Era for Defender in Motorsports
The Defender Octa’s entry into rallying is set to redefine expectations for high-performance SUVs. With its powerful V8 engine, advanced chassis, and proven durability, it aims to excel in both the Dakar Rally and the W2RC, solidifying its status as a champion in the world of off-road motorsports.