Gill ready to “attack” in Italy
Aussies Taylor Gill and Dan Brkic are determined to “attack” and even win round 3 of the FIA Junior World Rally Championship at Rally Sardegna.
Having shown pace on unfamiliar terrain such as snow and tarmac, Gill is optimistic what is possible on the more familiar gravel roads in Italy.
The JWRC runs side by side with the FIA World Rally Championship and the all Aussie crew are on a high after getting a maiden podium in the last event at Croatia.
The result pushed Gill up to third in the championship and previous experience of the Italian gravel gives him plenty of confidence.
“Being on gravel for the first time this year is exciting,” Gill said.
Taylor Gill in action in Croatia.
“There’s always unfamiliarity coming into a new event, but with this one, we have some experience so it’s not entirely new.
“Last year as part of the Rally Star development year, we did a training camp in Sardinia before the rally, did the reconnaissance, and then stayed on to spectate the rally.
“This weekend is very important for the direction of our championship.
“With Sweden’s downfall we are 30 points behind the leader, so being back in familiar territory we need to capitalise and bring home a good result.”
Despite having prior experience of Rally Sardegna, Gill knows it will not be easy to make the finish.
He has seen first hand how tough the rocky and rutted roads will be, especially with around 50 cars already scattering rocks over the course before the JWRC competitors arrive.
Dan Brkic and Taylor Gill (far left) on the podium in Croatia.
Gill has promised to go “on the attack” but knows picking his moments will be half the battle.
“The JWRC field is incredibly competitive this year with 10 drivers taking stage wins so far,” he said.
“We’ll definitely be on the attack this weekend – there’s plenty of drivers who will be pushing at the front of the field so we’ll need to be on our game.
“However, it won’t just be a game of flat out – Sardinia is known for its rough terrain, so knowing when to push and when to conserve the car will be vital.”
The 2024 Rally Sardegna begins on Friday before the 16-stage event wraps up on Sunday.
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