Motorsport driver Gaurav Gill weighs his chances at the World Rallying Championship.
As far as motorsports are concerned, rallying has always been considered the poor cousin of Formula 1. Be it in terms of spectator interest, sponsorship or even recognition, rallying still doesn’t command the kind of respect that F1 does. But rallyist Gaurav Gill is determined to change that perception.
Gill, all of 27 years old and representing the country at the World Rally Championship (WRC), has high hopes for himself in the new season. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me and I am eager to grab it with both hands,” he says. Gill has been in the limelight ever since winning the JK Tyre National Rally Championship aged 19. He has gone on to be national champion on numerous occasions and also won a rally in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC).
But this is a totally different ball game and he is aware of that. “I know that it will be more demanding — both physically and mentally — but I have been training hard and want to do my best,” he says.
Gill is racing for the team, TSI Racing, which is being backed by Tommy Makkinen and auto giant Subaru. Speaking on the backing he’s getting from the team, Gill says they have shown tremendous confidence in his abilities and aims not to let them down.
He knows that the challenges that lie ahead are going to be extremely tough and he will be up against some of the biggest names in rallying. Compared to the APRC, where the number of drivers is six to eight, here Gill will be competing against 30.
Apart from that, the WRC is considered to be one of the most gruelling motorsport events in the world. The contenders have to pass through contrasting situations from hard terrain to patchy strips and hilly routes to placid roads.
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Gill is confident that his stint in the APRC will prove beneficial and says that he tries to learn from his mistakes. TSI Racing is the first Indian team in the championships and he says that the team are doing a wonderful job. Last season was the first for the team, and it was a bit disappointing as they managed to finish only one race. But Gill is out there to make amends this time around. “I am not going there to make up the numbers,” he says confidently. His aim is to finish as many races as possible, as it will be a morale-booster both for him and the team. “If we managed to do that, I am sure we will have a good chance at the championships,” he adds.
He has worked extremely hard on his fitness and says that physically he is in his best condition. “I have been spending a lot of time working on my body, as driving through those conditions takes a toll, physically.” He has had a bad time with injuries and is now keen to avoid them. “Injuries can be frustrating in this sport, but you have to remain patient and wait for your chance to arrive.”
Considered among the finest rally drivers the country has seen, Gill is aware that driving in the WRC is the biggest opportunity for him so far. Even in the early days of his career, experts thought he had great potential. It’s only in the last few years, however, that he has come close to realising that potential.
Quiz him on the secret of being a good rally driver, and he says that the most important aspect is to remain calm under any circumstance. “You have to be patient and take each challenge as it comes.” It is something he says he learnt very early in his career.
Gill knows that rallying is not among the top sports in the country, which, according to him, is unfortunate. There is awareness, he says, but still a lot needs to be done. He is hoping that a good run from him at the WRC will make people sit up and take note. “I have worked hard so far in my career and will continue to do so,” he says. Rewards and recognition will surely follow if he continues along this road.