Gill pumped to take on iconic rally

The penultimate round of the FIA Junior World Rally Championship is a big one for Aussie Taylor Gill.

Gill and co-driver Dan Brkic will take on the iconic Rally Finland this weekend which looms as a critical part of their campaign.

The pair sit third in the standings, 26 points behind leader Rome Jurgenson, but just one behind second placed Diego Dominguez Jr.

If the Australians want to challenge for the title, they will need to have a strong result in Finland.

Fortunately for Gill he is quite familiar with the smooth gravel roads around the Finnish Lakeland.

“I’m extremely excited to be on the entry list for Secto Rally Finland,” Gill said.

“Having grown up watching the WRC, I’ve always dreamed of driving on these roads, and now, thanks to FIA Rally Star, it’s a reality.

“The fact that we’ve moved across the globe to live in Finland means it’s now somewhat of a home rally for us.”

To prepare for Rally Finland, Gill and Brkic have been busy and competed at a recent national level round in Finland.

“In previous rallies this year we’ve gone in somewhat underdone, but with what we’ve done to get ready for this event, I feel like we’re in a better position,” he said.

“We competed in a Finnish national round last month, have had some time in the car at tests, and have spent ample time in front of the computer watching stage vision from previous years.

“We are at a place now where we can now dial in the car at the pre-event test and shakedown, and be ready for the opening stage of the rally.”

Gill himself watched Rally Finland as a fan and this year he will be competing on the gravel himself and knows it will be a challenge with the massive commitment required to take on the crests and jumps.

“I spectated at the rally last year, but being a part of it inside the car for 2024 is somewhat daunting, however, it’s a challenge I’m eager for,” he said.

“Keeping a level head is vital, and both Dan and I are conscious of taking it all in, but also keeping our minds on the task at hand.”

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