Dakar – Quadriamputee Philippe Croizon prepares for 2017

Philippe Croizon's project recalls that of Frederic Sausset (see: n°2037 of AUTOhebdo). While the quad-amputee pilot intends to commit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans via the 56th stand, the man who connected the five continents by swimming with the same handicap is looking to compete in the Dakar in 2017.

“As with most of my other challenges, 99% of people will say it's not possible, and yet! Since I was little, I have always followed the Paris-Dakar. Then the metalworker continued to fantasize about this incredible opening in front of his TV set. And there was the accident (Philippe Croizon was amputated following an electrocution) and, years later, the desire to exceed my limits. Extreme motor sports are freedom rediscovered, autonomy”, commented Phillipe Croizon.

Philippe Croizon will drive a fully equipped Buggy. The gearbox will notably be automated to compensate for its handicap. The man of records called on Yves Tartarin, who has 20 Dakar starts, to set up the Croizon-Tartarin Team which will be made up of a dozen people.

Motorsport is gradually opening up to disability. Before Frédéric Sausset and Philippe Croizon, Alex Zanardi paved the way by returning to competition after losing his legs in 2001 in an accident at the Lausitzring (Germany).