Defender Joins the Celebrations at the 60th Arctic Lapland Rally in Rovaniemi, Finland

 

The Defender Rally Championship is a premier one-make off-road Motorsport Championship that combines rallying excitement with driver development. Supported by an expert team from the world of Rally and Cross Country motorsport. The series offers a unique platform for both novices and seasoned Endurance drivers to build skills, compete, and progress in the world of Rallying and Cross Country disciplines. As the legendary Arctic Lapland Rally is known for pushing vehicles and drivers to their limits in ice-cold conditions, its snow-covered stages offer a unique challenge that aligns perfectly with the spirit of Defender and its "embrace the impossible" ethos. 

 

Among the competitors in Defender Rally Series is Finnish driver Jorma Jokela, a seasoned veteran of the championship. Jokela, who previously drove a course car in the 2024 Arctic Lapland Rally, will take on the icy roads in a rally-prepared Land Rover Defender. Jokela’s rallying career includes podium finishes in previous seasons of the Defender Rally programme. His career also includes a range of international and Finnish events, making him a local favorite in the class. Jokela is also known as the founder of CapitalBox’s parent company Multitude. CapitalBox has become a familiar brand for motorsport fans around the world through for example their support for the new Rally1 driver Sami Pajari. CapitalBox is also the main partner of this year’s Arctic Lapland Rally.

 

Other drivers in the class include the series veterans Brit David Beecroft and Paul White, as well as the Estonian Kristjan Kajakas, who are all previous event winners from the past seasons. All competitors in the class drive a Defender 90 Rally Car powered by a 300PS Ingenium petrol engine and equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Designed for peak performance on the toughest terrains with key upgrades such as a full FIA roll cage, bespoke dampers and durable all-terrain tyres, the car combines durability, safety, and off-road prowess to dominate the most challenging stages.

 

With the addition of the arctic event, the Defender Rally Championship continues to expand internationally. The series has grown to include several rounds across the UK and now boasts an international presence, offering opportunities for competitors to progress to events like the European Baja’s of Spain and Portugal as well as returning to Iceland in the Summer.

 

Team manager Dave Marsh said “The whole team are really excited to come to the Arctic Lapland Rally for the first time and to expand our event schedule even further. With our current race programme taking in everything from the Deserts of Morocco to Iceland we are sure Lapland will provide another incredible experience for our competitors”.

 

Arctic Lapland Rally and the Defender Rally Championship invite motorsport fans to witness the action in Rovaniemi and follow the competition as it unfolds. With a mix of novice and experienced drivers, cutting-edge technology, and the raw beauty of the Arctic landscape, the Defender Rally Championship promises a spectacle like no other. For those unable to attend, the all new FlyingFinn.tv streaming service will provide live coverage throughout the event.