Land Rover returns to the Dakar in 2021
LAND Rover has strong ties with Dakar Rally after a Range Rover won the inaugural event in 1979, before triumphing again in 1981, so it’s only fitting that its latest and toughest product should be providing on-event support for a team’s two drivers, medical crew and support staff across the gruelling 13-day, 12-stage, 4751 mile event.
The two Defender 110s will support ambitious new Dakar Rally and Prodrive-backed team, Bahrain Raid Xtreme (BRX). Negotiating extreme conditions, traversing desert dunes, mud, camel grass and rocks they will carry vital supplies, crew and equipment for the team and drivers. BRX’S driver line-up is impressive to say the least and includes nine-time World Rally Champion, Sébastien Loeb, from France, and two-time Dakar Rally winner, Nani Roma, from Spain.
The two Indus Silver models, powered by a 400 PS straight-six Ingenium petrol engine, are fitted with Land Rover’s Explorer Pack, which includes an expedition roof rack, raised air intake, wheel arch protection and exterior side-mounted gear carrier. In addition, a deployable roof ladder provides easy access to a roof box, which will help BRX carry all the necessary kit. The vehicles are otherwise standard, which is testimony to their capability and durability in being able to undertake the ultimate all-terrain endurance test.
While they won’t be competing, the role of support vehicle shouldn’t be underestimated as they will be loaded with equipment and supplies, but also provide assistance for crew members in other ways – in that they will be camping, eating and sleeping in the two P400 models.
Team Principal, Paul Howorth, said: “The crew need to know our support vehicles will be able to carry all of the necessary kit and be relied upon to get to the next service location, whatever the conditions. New Defender provides a unique combination of all-terrain performance, rugged practicality and comfort – a crucial combination for the unpredictable Dakar conditions and after long days behind the wheel.”
New Defender is available in 90, 110 and practical Hard Top commercial derivatives. To find out more and configure yours visit landrover.com/defender.