Malaysia APRC: Gill closer to title as Kreim retires in Leg 1

With the advent of monsoons, heavy storms swept through the narrow and flowing dirt tracks of Johan Bahru, adding to the challenge of the drivers.

Gill (co-driver Glenn Macneall) controlled the day's proceedings having won seven of the day’s eight stages, completing the leg in 1hr38m59.6s.

The Indian, who’s Skoda Fabia R5 was fitted with a new engine this week, will be crowned champion if he wins the rally on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Kreim (co-driver Frank Christian), who won the German Rally Championship last weekend, stayed in touching distance of Gill, beating the 2013 champion to the fastest time in the shortened SS4.

However, a gearbox malfunction in SS6 forced an unfortunate retirement from the day. The German is expected to return for Leg 2 to salvage some valuable points.

With Kreim out, Finland's Jari Ketomaa (co-driver Mikko Lukka) finished runner-up in his one-off entry, 4m16.9s behind Gill's chart topping time. 

Behind, APRC regular Michael Young (co-driver Malcolm Read) was classified third,  ahead of two-time Asia Cup winner Yuya Sumiyama (co-driver Takahiro Yasui).

Sanjay Takle (co-driver Noriko Takeshita) finished fifth and last among the classified finishers. The veteran Indian rally driver completed the leg in 1hr54m19.6s in a Subaru Imprezza WRZ STi.

Leg 1 results: