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Gill chasing third APRC title despite more competition

India’s highest profile rally driver Gaurav Gill has set his sights on winning the 2017 APRC title, but admits that a third crown won’t come as easy some of his previous ones.

Gaurav Gill, Glenn MacNeall, Skoda Fabia R5, Team MRF

Gaurav Gill, Glenn MacNeall, Skoda Fabia R5, Team MRF

APRC

Winner Gaurav Gill, Team MRF
Gaurav Gill and Glenn MacNeall, Skoda Fabia R5, Team MRF
Gaurav Gill and Glenn MacNeall, Skoda Fabia R5, Team MRF
Gaurav Gill and Glenn MacNeall, Skoda Fabia R5, Team MRF
Gaurav Gill, Glenn MacNeall, Skoda Fabia R5, Team MRF
Gaurav Gill, Stephane Prévot, Skoda Fabia R5, Team MRF
Gaurav Gill, Glenn MacNeall, Skoda Fabia R5, Team MRF
Gaurav Gill, Glenn MacNeall, Skoda Fabia R5, Team MRF
Gaurav Gill and Glenn MacNeall, Skoda Fabia R5, Team MRF

Gill sweeped the 2016 season of APRC by winning all six rallies across the Asia-Pacific region, securing his second series title.

While it would be difficult for Gill to repeat that kind of results, the 35-year-old says he won’t settle for anything less than the top prize.

“Absolutely, why not?, “ Gill told Motorsport.com when asked about his title ambitions. “Everyone is out there to beat me. So I have to work my ass off this year to retain the title.”

“I’m definitely going to try that. I will have to change my strategy to probably understand how these guys drive, how they tackle different situations. I will have to take it from there and see.

“The speed is not an issue with me, we just need to be consistent. Driving the car flat out all the time through the season and not making mistakes is the key to win.”

Strong opposition

Gill is expecting a sterner challenge from rivals this year, not least because of the entry of Mpart. The Swedish outfit will be fielding at least two R5-spec Mitsubishi Mirage this season, putting it on equal footing with Gill’s Skoda Fabia R5.

Not to mention, Mpart’s line-up will be led by former WRC driver Jari Ketomaa, who also has experience of tuning rally cars.

“This year, there’s MRF, Skoda, Mitsubishi,” he explained. “And I think Michelin have tied up with Mitsubishi. So you are talking about four manufacturers - two car manufacturers and two tyre manufacturers.

“[Mpart] are coming up with a three-car team [two for the opening round]. We guys have a two-car team and they have a three-car team.

“Jari Ketomaa is a top former WRC driver, a European and Finnish championship. He’s not a driver that I can just not keen an eye on.

“I have to be smart about my plan and programme through the year. He’s a very fast driver and has a huge amount of experience. He’s developing WRC cars.

Gill will also face in-house competition from new teammate Ole Christian Veiby, who replaces German Rally Champion Fabian Kreim.

“My new teammate is Norwegian driver,” Gill explained. “He’s one of the top fastest Norwegian drivers and one of the fastest enduro drivers. So we don't have one, but 3-4 drivers who can win every rally. So it will be very challenging”

Gill will have a new teammate in Stephane Prevot this year. The duo last worked together at the 2016 Rally Hokkaido in Japan.

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