Gill guns for sixth title in National rally

The first round of the Indian National Rally Championship, South India Rally will be run around Sriperumbudur with Gaurav Gill, representing Team Mahindra Adventure of his ambitious drive in the World Rally Championship later this year for Team MRF, trying to parade his skills. 

Gill, who has Musa Sherif, as his co-driver said he would be competing in the World Rally Championship, not as a registered driver, but for testing waters. 

“We (Team MRF) have not figured out the final plans but basically we will be entering in four or five rounds on gravel terrains,” said Gill at the ceremonial flag off of the South India Rally. 

“Basically, we want to use it for research and development. But it is a great opportunity for me,” he said. Gill was happy that manufacturers and promoters are coming together under the same umbrella in India after a long time. Gill sounded confident ahead of the rally and believes he has a good chance to get off to a winning start. 

“I am looking forward to the INRC this year and I believe whether it is for the sixth time or the sixtieth time, its all about winning for the team and focussing on that. So yes, I am confident of the season ahead and hopefully will end with the title,” Gill added. 

Gill will face competition from his team mate, two-time National Champion, Amittrajit Ghosh, who is also slated to take part in the European Rally Championship (ERC 3 category) this year. 2016 INRC champion Karna Kadur (Arka Motorsports) and last year’s INRC 2 and INRC 3 winners Rahul Kanthraj (Arka Motorsports) and Dean Mascarenhas (Falkon Motorsports) will also give a tough fight. 

The season opener has an interesting entry too in the form of Vicky Chandhok (VW Motorsports), who will be making a comeback to competitive rallying after nearly 18 years at the ripe age of 61. “We need a hero in rallying in India and Gill has it in him to perform that role,” said Vicky Chandhok.  

“Yes, I am returning after a gap of 18 years but I have never been away from driving. I am confident ahead of the first rally and hopefully will give these younger guys a run for their money,” the former national champion said during the press conference. The MRF South India Rally, which is being staged at the MMRT in Sriperumbudur, will cover a total distance of close to 300 kilometres, with 100.40 kilometres earmarked for special stages on dirt tracks and another 6.20 kilometres for a super special stage on asphalt. 

The MRF FMSCI INRC promoter, RRPM’s Director, Arindam Ghosh, said: “The 2018 edition of the INRC promises to be a lot more exciting with all the leading drivers of the country taking part. We will also be hosting one round in Bengal, which is in tune with our efforts to take rallying to different parts of the country.” He added: “We would like to thank all our sponsors for their active support.”