Taylor Gill wins JWRC at Rally Finland

The Australians were the most consistent crew through the fast Finnish stages, and despite their issues, took significant points to set up a title-deciding final round.

Gill and Brkic won the category by just 2.1 seconds, but they would have been further ahead had it not been for engine issues and multiple punctures during the weekend.

It was simply a rollercoaster weekend that had the Aussies going up and down the leaderboard.

After leading midway through Friday, the Aussies developed an engine issue and got a puncture, which dropped them down to sixth at the first overnight halt.

Then, after a blistering time on the opening stage on Saturday, another puncture dropped them to eighth.

They persevered though, and after clawing their way back to third, they were then rewarded with the category lead after drivers ahead of them suffered issues.

Holding the lead going into the final day, Gill had a 19-second buffer and after conserving in the morning, he went into the final stage with just a 4.2 second lead.

It was enough, and he came out 2.1 seconds in front and on the top step of the podium.

“It’s simply an amazing feeling to take the top step of the podium in our ‘home-away-from-home’ in Finland,” Gill said.

“The number of twists and turns that the weekend took showed that it was a true rollercoaster, and despite a few little setbacks, Dan and I worked hard to stay patient throughout the whole rally.

“When we had our puncture on Saturday, we knew the time loss wasn’t massive, so we kept at it, knowing that anything could happen.

“I think it was that attitude that helped us set some great times and get us back in with a chance for victory.”

Gill’s main championship rival, Romet Jurgenson, went off the road on Friday and failed to finish high up the leaderboard, while fellow rival, Paraguayan Diego Dominguez Jnr, could only manage sixth.

The historic win means Gill and Brkic are the first Australians to win in the Junior World Rally Championship, and it puts them into second in the championship standings with just one round to go.

“Winning this weekend gives us a chance in the championship,” Gill added.

“It’s something we’ve been working towards all year, and we’ll leave no stone unturned in our preparations for Greece next month.”

Gill was also thankful for the support of his FIA Rally Star team, sponsors and his countrymen – some of whom travelled across the world to cheer him on.

“The support we felt from those spectating at the rally and watching on at home in Australia was amazing,” he added.

“Every time we checked, there were messages of confidence and support, and we’re so grateful to know that everyone is behind us on this journey.

“This is a huge high and a great achievement, but there’s so much more work to do.”

The final round of the Junior World Rally Championship takes place at the Acropolis Rally in Greece, where competitors will fight for double points in what’s poised to be a winner-takes-all battle.

Gill and Brkic begin their preparations for the Acropolis Rally immediately, with the rally taking place in five weeks’ time.