My mind is ready, the rest will follow” – Mathieu Baumel’s remarkable Dakar comeback
12/11/2025
- Intensive preparation for the Dakar Rally
- Technical adjustments for this unique challenge
The experienced navigator Mathieu Baumel has already celebrated four Dakar victories – and yet he now faces perhaps the greatest challenge of his life. For the first time, he will take part in the Dakar Rally since losing his lower right leg in a serious accident earlier this year. Nothing is as it once was: routines, movements, his entire equipment – everything had to be rethought and adapted.
The enormous distance of the Dakar is one of the biggest unknowns. “For the Dakar, one of my biggest concerns will be the length of the race,” he admits. “We have done some tests and competed in a three-day Baja – but 15 days of non-stop racing is something completely different.”
Exacting work on every single movement
To be as well prepared as possible, Baumel works meticulously on every detail. In particular, the coordination with his driver Guillaume de Mévius had to be adjusted – especially for situations in which both must exit the vehicle. A puncture can quickly become a real challenge. “With my prosthesis, it makes a big difference whether the flat tire is on the left or the right,” he explains. Getting out of the car – especially in deep sand – demands everything from him physically.
That’s why Baumel has decided to compete in the rally without his regular prosthesis. “I use a special short foot piece so that I can work on my knees more quickly in an emergency,” he says. A longer prosthesis with a quick-change system is carried in the MINI JCW Rally 3.0i – just in case.
Individually customized equipment for the toughest rally in the world
For the long hours in the cockpit, a custom-made seat was developed that stabilizes and comfortably supports the upper part of the prosthesis. His racing suit was also specially modified. “Sparco homologated several adjustments so that I can change the prosthesis more quickly,” says Baumel. In addition, the vehicle features a specially designed holder that stores the prosthesis securely and within immediate reach.
Physically and mentally at the limit – and beyond
His preparation is intense – daily training sessions with physiotherapists and coaches aim to rebuild strength, mobility, and focus. “I need to strengthen my muscles, lose a few kilos, and work on my concentration,” he says openly. Despite his limitations, his determination is unmistakable. “It’s not easy, because my left leg is still not fully load-bearing. But every day I’m making progress. My mind is ready – and the rest will follow.”
This special project would not have been possible without the support of long-standing partners such as CP, Faster, Reiger, and SADEV. The entire team and crew would like to express their deepest gratitude: these partners stand firmly behind the effort and, with their expertise and trust, have played a decisive role in paving Baumel’s way back into rallying. Their support is a key pillar on the road to this extraordinary start at the Dakar 2026 – and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people work together.
Before the major highlight of the season — the Dakar — begins, De Mévius and Baumel completed one final endurance test. At the Jeddah Baja, the two took the opportunity to compete one last time under real race conditions, make fine adjustments, and further perfect their procedures.
