Defender, represented by Borusan Otomotiv in Turkey, achieved a monumental success at the 2026 Dakar Rally, widely considered the world’s most grueling off-road race. In its very first participation, the Defender Rally team dominated the “Stock” category for production-based vehicles, securing the top two spots on the podium and marking a historic milestone in motorsport.
The duo of Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal, racing the Defender Dakar D7X-R, claimed the “Stock” category championship with a total time of 58 hours, 09 minutes, and 45 seconds. Their teammates, Sara Price and Sean Berriman, finished in second place. Meanwhile, the living legend of Dakar, 14-time champion Stéphane Peterhansel, and co-driver Mika Metge, completed the race in an impressive fourth place.
Throughout the 13-stage race, Defender Rally teams shared the top three spots in 10 of the stages. In a 14-day struggle across the Saudi Arabian deserts, the three Defender Dakar D7X-R vehicles covered a combined total of 24,000 kilometers.
The championship-winning Defender Dakar D7X-R was developed based on the Defender OCTA, the most durable production model the brand has ever built. Each vehicle began its journey on the same production line as standard models at the Nitra plant in Slovakia.
The D7X-R shares the same D7x aluminum monocoque architecture, powertrain, and 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine as the Defender OCTA, with race-specific technical enhancements added to withstand the extreme conditions of the Dakar Rally.
Following the victory, champion Rokas Baciuška stated that winning Dakar was a lifelong dream and that achieving this in Defender’s first year was an extraordinary source of pride. Sara Price added that crossing the finish line together as a team highlighted the true meaning of their success. Stéphane Peterhansel noted that this Dakar was a journey full of emotion, where the powerful team spirit stood out above all else.
Beyond its competitive success, Defender played a vital role in the rally’s logistics. A dedicated fleet of Defenders was assigned to transport race officials and VIP media members. The organization team also relied on Defender vehicles for route planning and reconnaissance work, proving the vehicle’s reliability as a mobility solution in the world’s toughest environments.
Mark Cameron, Managing Director of Defender:
“To achieve such a result in our first Dakar entry is an indescribable pride. Having all three Defenders reach the finish line together is the result of exceptional teamwork. We have written history at Dakar.”
Ian James, Defender Rally Team Principal:
“This victory is a testament to our team’s determination and resilience. To win Dakar in our first year with such a strong team spirit is unforgettable for all of us.”
The 2026 Dakar Rally served as the opening round of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). Following this historic start, the Defender Rally team will continue its title fight at the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal, scheduled for March 17–22, 2026.
