"You need nerves of steel"
Crew facts
S.P.
- As a young skateboarding champion, Stéphane Peterhansel was already captivated by the images of the Dakar Rally in the 1980s, with Cyril Neveu and Hubert Auriol racing across the Saharan dunes. Little did he know that 40 years later, he would be sitting on a mountain of 14 titles won with some of the best cars and motorcycles in history. Nor that he would line up for the 36th time in 2026, at the age of 60.
- A fearsome enduro rider, his talent and precocity allowed him to learn rally raiding extremely quickly, winning his first Dakar in 1991. The biker with the blue bandana won six titles in eight years aboard a Yamaha. When he switched to four wheels, he quickly put the skills he hd acquired on a motorbike to good use: 7th in his first outing in 1999, he finished 2nd the following year. The crowning glory came in 2004: ‘Peter’ became the second driver in history to win both on a motorbike and in a car after Hubert Auriol. The rest of the ‘Mitsu’ saga earned him two more successes in 2005 and 2007.
- Following the withdrawal of the Japanese brand, he joined X-raid and in 2012 claimed his 10th title. Far from satisfied with this winning streak, 'Monsieur Dakar' followed up with another victory in 2013. A new challenge arose in 2015 with Peugeot's return. In 2016, 'Peter' made the lion roar for the first time since the success of Ari Vatanen in the 405. The series continued with the 3008, securing a 13th title after a tense duel with teammate Sébastien Loeb. Another entry into the record book came in 2021: 'Peter' became the only competitor to have won in Africa, South America, and Asia.
- The collection could have prompted him to call it a day. Still, he joined forces with Audi, which offered him the chance to participate in the design and development of the first electric vehicle capable of winning. The car proved successful in its final year (2024), but in the hands of Carlos Sainz. The French veteran's three attempts failed: first due to teething problems with the RS Q e-tron, then due to a driving error in 2023, and finally due to various incidents in 2024. His consolation prize was his 50th stage victory in a car, equalling Vatanen's record.
- A long series of 29 consecutive Dakar rallies contested since 1995 will come to an end in 2025. Peterhansel will take the opportunity to get back on his motorbike and compete in several races, including the FIM Enduro Trophy, which he won. It's also a way to stay in shape before the new challenge that awaits him: a 36th Dakar, this time with Defender, which is entering the Stock category. It's a project that reminds him of the spirit of his first rally-raid adventures in the late 1980s. At 60, ‘Monsieur Dakar’ is not done authoring the history of his sport!
M.M.
- Michael Metge began his sporting career on two wheels. First in motocross, then in enduro, where he made a name for himself, notably by finishing second in the 2009 European E3 Championship.
- Influenced by the legendary Stéphane Peterhansel, he switched to off-road rallying and contested his first Dakar in 2013 with the Yamaha factory team. Finishing 18th on his first attempt, and a career-best, 11th place in 2016. He moved from Yamaha to Honda and then to Sherco, a brand based in his home Gard region. With Sherco, he won his first special stage in 2019.
- As is the case for many bikers, the time for a career change is synonymous with a new role as a car navigator. Contacted by Swiss driver Jérôme De Sadeleer in 2022, 'Mika' competed in his first Dakar in an SSV in 2022. He then helped young Pau Navarro secure a place in the Top 10 in 2023, before rejoining De Sadeleer and finishing 2m25s behind the SSV winner in 2024.
- Frequently associated with Yasir Seaidan, the Frenchman guided the Saudi to victory in the 2024 Morocco Rally in SSV, then three stages of the 2025 Dakar in Challenger. A victory in the Baja Morocco, this time as an SSV driver, showed that he is also adroit behind the wheel. His skills and experience led his idol, Peterhansel, and Defender to give him a seat in 2026, with the mission of guiding the Dakar D7X-R to its first finish.
Ambition
S.P.: "After 35 years of fighting for the top spots, I was a bit worn out by the pressure on my shoulders and the risks I had to take, and the last three years had also been difficult, especially after the accident in 2023 and Édouard (Boulanger)'s injury. I needed a break! After the 2024 edition, I got back into motorcycling a bit, returning to my first love. Defender got in touch with me and proposed a different project that I found appealing. Firstly, their decision to enter the Stock category is somewhat reminiscent of the early days of rallying. It makes sense because it's a proper adventure and off-road car brand. Secondly, it will be less stressful than fighting for victory in the general classification. Thirdly, my love for the Dakar! It's like a second family, and a race that I love in principle.”
“The Stock regulations have evolved in the right direction, and people who follow the Dakar will recognise the car they can buy. We're going to promote that. In Stock, you have to manage the equipment and get the car to the end of each stage. I'm not saying that I've come full circle, but I've had the opportunity to drive the best prototype cars and ride the best motorbikes, and now it's a return to the spirit of racing, where the challenge is to finish. We spent time together with my teammates, and in terms of driving, they don't have much to learn—they are very fast. With my experience, I'm telling them they'll need nerves of steel, be able to slow down at times, and accept they'll need to drive more slowly if the terrain is rough or the conditions are bad. The goal will be to achieve the best possible result and get all three Defenders to the finish line."
M.M.: “Driving alongside Stéphane as part of the highly‑anticipated Defender Rally team is a true career highlight. An icon like Defender joining the FIA World Rally‑Raid Championship is a monumental moment for off‑road racing and I can’t wait to return to Dakar Rally and make my mark. There’s nobody better to race with than the Dakar legend himself!”
