Aussies line up for additional event in European program

The Australians have been able to secure the funding for an extra event in their program – an addition that will be hugely beneficial in them continuing the form that saw them win at Rally Sweden in February.

Competing against the world’s best junior talent requires speed right from the start of a rally weekend, and this rare opportunity for Gill to get an extra event will hold him in good stead for Rally de Portugal later in May.

While most of his direct rivals have already completed five rallies across 2025, this entry in the Ralli Terras d’Aboboreira will be just Gill’s second rally of 2025.

It’s that handicap Gill is trying to reduce throughout the remainder of the season to give himself the best chance to progress his career.

“There’s no doubt that this year is the most important in terms of our career progression, and also our best chance yet of winning the Junior World Rally Championship,” Gill said.

“Through the support of our sponsors and Supporters’ Club, we’ve been able to add this event to our calendar, which will be so valuable when we get to Rally de Portugal.

“We need to keep the momentum going after our Sweden win, and choosing to run in this event before Portugal was part of doing just that.”

With added time in the Ford Fiesta Rally3, Gill and Brkic will arrive at the WRC round on May 15-18 more equipped and better prepared for what they’re likely to face in the rally.

“We need to maximise what we can do, and Portugal is the first round on gravel, so getting back in the groove on that surface is important.

“This rally uses roads in the same areas as the WRC round, so in terms of an ideal test event, it’s pretty close to perfect.”

The Ralli Terras d’Aboboreira will also give the Australians a chance to see where they stack up against their fellow Junior WRC rivals on the loose surface.

Four of his WRC rivals are also competing in this rally, meaning a direct comparison can be made before they get to the all-important international round.

69 entries will start the rally based in the Amarante region this weekend, including stars like Kris Meeke, Dani Sordo, and current top WRC stars Martins Sesks and Yohan Rossel.

The action begins early on Saturday morning Australian time, with 10 special stages run over the following 36 hours.

Gill & Brkic’s entry into this rally is made possible by Hissi Keskus, Shamrock Haulage, Premier Pools Sydney, Curiositi Learning Technology, RallySchool Australia and Realty Lane.