Date:14/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/14/stories/2008091456451800.htm

Sport - Racing : Motor

Gill gears up for the big league

Stan Rayan

— Photo: Stan Rayan

STAYING FOCUSSED: MRF’s Gaurav Gill and co-driver Musa Sherif during the Popular Rally in Kochi.

KOCHI: Just five months ago, he was lying on a hospital bed watching all the rally action on television. It was the result of a nasty crash on a super bike at a friend’s farm in Delhi. A surgery followed and since the crash came just weeks before the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) opener, Gaurav Gill suffered a big blow.

“It wasn’t the happiest time of my life,” said the 26-year-old MRF driver, looking back.

When he came back, Gill probably saw life and motor sport in a new light. A few days ago, he won the Rally of Indonesia and became the first Indian to win an APRC event.

“It’s been a crazy season, full of surprises,” said the Delhi youngster, between stages, at the ongoing 23rd Popular Rally, the third round of the MAI National Championship here.

Fearless driver

The young man has relished life on the dangerous lane, first as a motocross rider and later as a car racer before entering rallying.

He also brings a different kind of approach to rallying, a fearless, confident approach. Last year, even before he had begun his maiden Asia Pacific Championship campaign, he was talking about winning events there. And despite driving a new car this season (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo-9), he came out with flying colours in Indonesia.

“We’ve not seen a driver like him in a long, long time, he is very talented, very different from the rest,” said former national rally champion Hari Singh during a recent chat.

But Gill attributes his success to his dedication to the sport. “I’ve always been dedicated to what I did. I had to win some day,” he said.

“I just needed the right package, the team and MRF Tyres worked very well in Indonesia.

And I was very comfortable with my co-driver Jagdev, who has co-driven for former Production Cars world champion Karamjit Singh of Malaysia, and whom I know personally for the last 10 years.”