Defender Rally announces first all-female crew for Desafío Ruta 40 2026

Defender Rally will make motorsport history at the Desafío Ruta 40 in Argentina from 24 to 29 May 2026. For the first time since the event began in 2010, an all-female crew will officially compete. Sara Price and navigator Saydiie Gray will represent Defender Rally in the Stock class of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship's third round.

Key Highlights

• Defender Rally enters first all-female crew at Desafío Ruta 40 since event began in 2010
• Sara Price and Saydiie Gray will compete together in the Stock class for Defender Rally
• Desafío Ruta 40 covers over 2,700 kilometers with 1,699 kilometers of timed stages in Argentina
• Defender Dakar D7X-R is modified from Defender Octa to meet FIA stock class regulations

Historic All-Female Crew Entry

Sara Price, currently second in the stock rankings with 127 points, will team up with Saydiie Gray for the event. This marks the first official all-female crew entry at Desafío Ruta 40. Saydiie Gray, age 19, brings experience from factory team competitions with Can-Am and Honda. The duo previously won their first race together at the 2023 NORRA 1000, a five-day off-road endurance event in Baja, Mexico.

Defender Rally's other crews include Rokas Baciuska and Oriol Vidal, who lead the stock rankings with 153 points, and Stephane Peterhansel with Mika Metge, currently third with 118 points. The team aims to strengthen its position in the championship standings during this round.

Desafío Ruta 40 Race Details

The Desafío Ruta 40 covers over 2,700 kilometers in Argentina's Cuyo region. Of this distance, 1,699 kilometers are timed stages. The route features technical challenges, including rough and dry terrain, gravel, sand, and the El Nihuil dunes. The dunes consist of several layers of volcanic sand, adding complexity to the race.

Defender Dakar D7X-R Rally Car

The team competes using the Defender Dakar D7X-R, a rally car based on the Defender Octa. The vehicle is built on the same production line as the Defender and retains the bodyshell, transmission, driveline layout, and D7x body architecture of the Octa. Modifications have been made to meet FIA stock class regulations and withstand the demands of the World Rally-Raid Championship. These include enhanced cooling systems, updated suspension, and a wider track.

Defender Rally's participation in the Desafío Ruta 40 highlights the evolving landscape of motorsport, with increased representation and technical innovation. The event will test both the crews and their vehicles across challenging Argentine terrain.

CarBike 360 Says

With its first all-female crew heading to the demanding terrains of Argentina, Defender Rally is not just chasing stage victories but also driving meaningful change in motorsport. This bold move reflects growing inclusivity in rally-raid racing, setting a strong precedent for the future while inspiring the next generation of female competitors to aim for the top.