Ian James, the former head of McLaren’s electric racing arm, has been named the team principal of Defender Rally, Land Rover’s fledgling rally raid team. The Defender Dakar D7X‑R recently underwent testing in Erfoud, Morocco, with James in attendance.

“It’s an honor to be leading the Defender Rally team as we enter the almighty world of rally raid competition in 2026, the first of a three-year program,” said James. “With a world-class driver lineup and team in place, and the first competition-spec Defender Dakar D7X-R now showing its capability in the desert, I’m looking forward to working through the rest of the extensive preparations ahead of Dakar in January.

“We’ve still much work to do, but we’re all determined to make 2026 a memorable year in World Rally-Raid for the Defender brand.”

James has deep experience in Formula E, leading Mercedes-EQ to a pair of drivers’ and teams’ championships before being the head of its successor McLaren from the 2022–23 season onward. He also chaired the Formula E Team and Manufacturers Association for three years.

In July, he was named the managing director of JLR Motorsport, who owns Land Rover and Jaguar. As part of his new duties, he will also be the boss of the latter’s Formula E division.

Land Rover is not James’ first foray into the off-road world either. NEOM McLaren Electric Racing also included Extreme E, which he oversaw as well.

Defender Rally will debut at the 2026 Dakar Rally with the Defender Dakar D7X‑R—based on the Defender OCTA—driven by Rokas Baciuška, Stéphane Peterhansel, and Sara Price.

“We made the decision to enter the World Rally-Raid Championship as it’s the ultimate stage to showcase Defender’s renowned capability and durability,” commented Defender managing director Mark Cameron. “The new Defender OCTA has set a high bar in terms of tough luxury and seeing it transform into an unstoppable Dakar contender is remarkable. Now, with just three months to go until we will take the start ramp in Yanbu, I am proud of how this team is taking shape.

“We have a stellar lineup of drivers and co-drivers and a fantastic strategic and operational staff in place all now led by Ian James as team principal. With the first of the competition Defender Dakar D7X-Rs completing this test, everything is on track. I can’t wait to see us taking to the dunes at Dakar.”

Featured image credit: Alastair Staley / LAT Images