Spaniard Esteve Pujol will be taking part in Dakar, but not on a motorbike. Pujol has been a paraplegic since he was involved in a serious accident at the Almeria Rally in March 2007.

But far from letting his disability beat him, Pujol got back into training a year ago to be able to take part in the Dakar Rally again. This time, he’ll be at the wheel of a car specially adapted to his handicap.

Before his accident, Pujol had taken part in 20 Dakars, arriving in fourth place twice. Since then he has had to undergo stimulation sessions every day to prepare himself for the race.

Other than the physiotherapy and training exercises he has to do, the former biker says his life hasn’t really changed since March 2007. "Today my life is different. It isn’t better or worse. For me, the accident wasn’t the end of something but just the start of a new period."

It’s a new period for a new Dakar since this year’s rally won’t be taking place in Africa, but in Chile and Argentina.