The numbers that keep the British cars running.
A high-profile newcomer to the World Rally-Raid Championship and winner of this year’s Dakar Rally in the Stock category, the Defender Rally team—which is entering three Defender Dakar D7X-R models in the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal—has put together a massive logistical operation, reflecting the challenge every top team faces in a race like this.
After preparations at its headquarters in Banbury, the British team shipped five trucks to Portugal: three are dedicated to mechanics and parts transport; one serves as an engineering zone, where all vehicle data is analyzed after each day; and the fifth is used as a hospitality area for sponsors and the public.
The three cars are supported by a team of 15 mechanics, based in an inflatable tent structure that takes a mere ten minutes to set up. The approximately 50 people who make up the team have at their disposal a tent that serves as a mess hall for meals, a catering tent, and a fleet of ten Defenders for transportation, joined by another fleet of 12 similar models used for public demonstrations.
The speed with which the entire structure is assembled and disassembled is impressive; it can take anywhere from one to six hours to set up at the bivouac.