The two Spaniards are present at the most famous Rally Raid with a Toyota. Raul jr survived a terrible accident in Andalusia in 2021: “I have only recovered 65% mobility in my hands but I have changed my point of view about the future”
Sometimes simply participating in the Dakar is enough to feel like a winner, regardless of the final result. In the case of the Ortiz family this consideration is not an end in itself. Father and son, both named Raul, have realized a dream, concluding a long and painful journey. In fact, Ortiz Jr had planned this trip with his parent five years ago, immediately after his debut in the 2021 Dakar as Pablo Oliva’s co-driver. A more than positive debut: the pair placed eleventh in the T3 prototype category. Raul dreamed of repeating the experience twelve months later, but fate changed everything dramatically shortly after.
the drama of ortiz jr
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Engaged in races since he was 13 years old, Ortiz Jr risked his life during the fourth stage of the 2021 Andalusia Rally. A moment remembered on the official Dakar channels: “Our car overturned and caught fire. The driver managed to get out on his own, suffering burns to his face and esophagus. I, however, found myself unconscious inside the car. Luckily a man was present in that curve. After entering the car, I he got out as best he could. The Federation had a helicopter to take me to hospital for emergency treatment.” Raul was admitted to the hospital in Seville. But the problems were not over, as he told the Spanish newspaper Sports World: “I had emergency surgery. I risked losing both hands. I underwent four surgeries, skin grafts and the amputation of a finger. Then I was transferred to the Trauma Hospital in Granada and then to Madrid. They transplanted a finger, opening the thumb area and carrying out a series of adjustments to regain as much mobility as possible.”
THE Ortiz family
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Raul, 34, is back in his role as co-pilot, although he wears special gloves. And not everything has completely settled down: “I did two years of rehabilitation, physiotherapy, four hours of occupational therapy a day. Now I have recovered about 65% of the mobility in my hands. The rest is gone. But with this, I can lead a normal life.” The problems also concerned the psychological aspect: “I needed support. I went back to work in the family real estate agency, and this helped me a lot psychologically.” Yes, family was important, starting with the father. Ortiz Sr, in fact, has always loved the world of motors, but racing remained a dream for some time, thanks to work commitments. His son’s rehabilitation brought Raul even closer, encouraging Ortiz Jr to get back into the car. Together they participated in some off road races and in 2024 they also secured the Spanish championship in the T8 category.
the dream realized
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Now the dream has become reality. Raul Senior will make his Dakar debut at the age of 62 in the Classic category, driving a Toyota Rav4 equipped with a turbo diesel engine. His son will join him as co-pilot. The parent tells official channels: “I promised that we would go to the Dakar. And now we are making that dream come true. It’s really exciting.” Raul Jr smiles: “I’m reborn. I feel like I’ve been given another life for free.” And finally: “My perspective on life and my way of dealing with problems have changed. Before, I thought a lot about the future. Now, however, I focus on everyday life and enjoy everything.”
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