India’s top driver Gaurav Gill made a strong comeback to rallying after a year off, showcasing top form in the 49th South India Rally at the Madras International Circuit. Gill, a seasoned champion, led the timesheets with a remarkable performance, piloting a Volkswagen Polo to victory in the event. The rally, serving as the second round of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and Round 1 of the FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship, witnessed Gill’s impressive lead over his competitors.
The 44-year-old Delhi-based driver, known for his multiple titles, including three APRC championships and seven National titles, clocked a combined time of two minutes, 51.5 seconds for the dirt Super Special Stage. Gill finished 5.1 seconds ahead of his rival Karna Kadur in the APRC segment, with Jason Saldanha securing the third spot. In the INRC category, Gill also maintained a lead over Ritesh Rai, showcasing his prowess and control behind the wheel.
Gill, partnered with co-driver Srikanth Gowda for the first time, displayed exceptional pace and precision during the rally. Expressing his satisfaction with the performance, Gill praised his team’s efforts in preparing the car and adapting to new circumstances. Despite facing some challenges, including technical issues, Kadur remained optimistic about the rally’s remaining stages and aimed for a stronger finish in the competition.
Bengaluru’s Arun Y Mavaji and Arvind Dheerendra excelled in the INRC 2 and INRC 3 classes, respectively, while Tarushi Vikram emerged as the fastest in the Ladies class and Junior INRC category. The event, flagged off by former Andhra legislator Vallabhaneni Vamsi Mohan and High Court Advocate K Jyothi Prasad, showcased thrilling performances and competitive spirit among the participants.
