The Indian entered the fifth round of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship confident of success in the event, and so far things have gone according to his plans.
In the absence of championship leader and team-mate, Chris Atkinson, Gill and co-driver, Glenn Macneall, finished the first day more than two minutes clear of their nearest APRC rival, Scotland's Alister McRae in a Proton.
After an early battle with McRae, Gill moved ahead on the fifth stage, the long 28 kilometre New Kunneywa test.
"We had a real push - there was nothing left in me or the car," Gill said in a stament.
"It's given us a slight cushion and we can now take it a little easier in the rough stages."
Lane Heenan of Race torque Engineering was happy with Gill's performance on the first day.
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"Gaurav (Gill) wasn't taking too many risks and was driving to the conditions, saving the car as the roads cut up badly in the afternoon," Heenan said.
"We've had no real issues, other than a broken radiator fan, although last night he had to drive the Super Special Stage with only the normal headlights, as the spot lights played up on the start line."
The second points-scoring car for Team MRF, the Subaru of New Zealander Brian Green, is lying fourth.
The final day of the Hokkaido Rally features a further seven stages, including the long 29.11km New Ashoro Long stage, which is run twice.