Eyes forward for Gill in South Australia

Gill, who was crowned the champion against over 40 other contests from the Asia-Pacific, is now focussed back on his home rally season, and his fight for the ARC’s Production Cup.

It will be the Adelaide Hills Rally this weekend where he will yet again be gaining experience on a brand-new event.

“India’s Rally Star opportunity was a once in a lifetime, and I was so glad to perform to the best of my ability while there,” Gill said.

“It’s hard to comprehend what is in store for me next year, but I’m just trying to stay calm.”

Gill’s success gives him six fully funded events in Europe in 2023 but is now more focussed on getting the job done in Production Cup.

“The beginning of that is still months away and my focus and drive needs to be on the ARC where I still have unfinished business in Production Cup.”

The Production Cup title is going to go down to the wire this year, with Gill, and fellow Subaru driver Max McRae, chasing the Mitsubishis of series leaders Ronnie Bustard and Cahal Carey.

A gearbox failure at the previous round in Victoria starved Gill of points, meaning he’s now got a genuine fight on his hands, both to catch Bustard and hold off McRae.

“Victoria was tough because we were sitting first before our issue, so it meant we are a bit behind where we hoped to be.

“We’re really looking forward to our battle with Max, and we hope it’s us who comes out of the event with the lead of the championship.”

The South Australian roads provide a new challenge for Gill, with the mixture of fast, shire road stages, as well as many shorter stages based around The Bend Motorsport Park, near Tailem Bend.

“South Australia provides a combination of both fast and technical roads. The shire road stages require a big commitment, and the top speed of our Subaru will get a fair workout.

“The stages at The Bend are more khanacross or autocross based, so will be more about precision than anything else.”