Mathieu Baumel, prior to re-entering competition with his prosthetic limb, stated, "I currently only have the theoretical knowledge, but lack practical experience."

Mathieu Baumel, the resilient racing driver who lost his right leg in a road accident at the end of January, is gearing up for his return to competition. After leaving a rehabilitation centre on July 11, Baumel has been making strides in adapting to his new prosthetic and racing car.

Baumel's prosthetic socket is designed to perfectly fit the shape of his stump, reducing discomfort and pain. The types of prosthetics commonly used include cementless prostheses, which rely on bone growth around the implant and are made from bone-friendly titanium alloys; partially cemented prostheses, which use a hybrid fixation method; short-stem prostheses, characterised by a short, curved shaft allowing less invasive implantation; and straight-stem prostheses that can be cemented or cementless, suitable for most femur shapes.

Baumel is equipped with an "active" foot with a return that offers more flexibility, a new knee that allows him to move faster, and a socket with a flexible carbon part that will reduce pain. His racing car has been adapted with an accelerator pedal moved to the left, enabling him to drive comfortably.

Next week, Baumel will return to competition in Portugal, driving a Mini alongside Guillaume de Mevius. The competition will allow Baumel to test his prosthesis and physical condition in racing conditions. If necessary, a new bucket seat may be molded to adapt to Baumel's prosthetic socket.

The race in Portugal is a Baja, consisting of 203 kilometers to be done twice, plus a prologue. Baumel's participation in this event is a preparation race without stakes, serving as an evaluation of his comfort and performance in the car before the Dakar.

Baumel's participation in the Rallye du Maroc, the last round of the World Championship and a general rehearsal for the Dakar, is in the process of being confirmed. The orthopedic prosthetist has planned to be in Morocco if Baumel participates in the Rallye du Maroc to monitor the functioning of his prosthesis.

However, Baumel is aware that his left leg may continue to cause pain as all efforts will be focused on this leg. He is managing physical challenges and is supported by his wife and others during this process. In case of a puncture or displacement in the sand, Baumel is considering the possibility of using a small fixed foot directly attached to his socket to facilitate movement and displacement.

The accumulation of kilometers and heat during the Dakar may present additional physical challenges for Baumel. He may need to find solutions for potential problems during the Dakar, such as changing a wheel while moving on his hands, or needing attachment points on the car's bodywork to help him move or hold on.

Despite the challenges, Baumel has shown an unyielding spirit and determination to return to racing. His comeback is a testament to his resilience and a source of inspiration for many.

Mathieu Baumel, prior to re-entering competition with his prosthetic limb, stated, "I currently only have the theoretical knowledge, but lack practical experience."