Taylor Gill, an 18-year-old talent from Australia, was among 40 participants representing seven ASNs (National Sporting Authorities) who gathered at the Madras International Circuit in India for a three-day competition aimed at securing a spot in the FIA Rally Star Training Season in 2023.
Thirteen drivers, including two women, demonstrated exceptional skills, earning their places in the final in Chennai. The final phase involved a challenging physical test and an opportunity to showcase their driving abilities using Pirelli-equipped TN5 Cross Cars from FIA World Rally Championship driver Thierry Neuville’s LifeLive organization.
On a 3.7-kilometer stage with gravel and asphalt sections designed for higher speeds than the previous layouts, drivers showcased their capabilities. Subsequently, they underwent reflex tests and interviews with a five-person jury composed of Andrew Wheatley (Chairman), and members Maciej Woda, Pernilla Solberg, David Terrien, and Guy Botterill.
Following careful deliberation, Taylor Gill emerged as the FIA Rally Star Asia-Pacific Final winner, while Pragathi Gowda was chosen as the representative for the Asia-Pacific region in the FIA Rally Star Women’s Final, with further details to be announced at a later date.
In addition to the honor of winning the FIA Rally Star Asia-Pacific Final, Taylor Gill will represent his region in the 2023 FIA Rally Star Training Season. This comprehensive training program includes participation in six rallies with an M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally3, as well as physical and intellectual assessments, driver coaching, and testing. The ultimate goal is to equip these promising talents with the skills needed to compete in the FIA World Rally Championship in the future. Furthermore, the top four performers in the FIA Rally Star Training Season will earn a chance to participate in the FIA Junior WRC Championship drive in 2024, marking their first step toward the prestigious Rally1 category.
Taylor Gill joins the ranks of the FIA Rally Star Continental Final winners, following Romet Jürgenson from Estonia, Abdullah Al Tawqi representing Oman, and Max Smart from South Africa.
With Maja Hallén Fellenius and Katie Milner already qualifying for the Women’s Final from the European Final, and Farah Zakaria and Kristie Ellis securing their spots from the MENA and African Finals, respectively, Pragathi Gowda from India is the latest addition to the group of female winners. These talented women will prepare for the upcoming women’s grand finale in the coming months.
The South and North America Continental Finals are scheduled for early next year, with the winners from these events joining the other Continental Final winners, including the Women’s Final winner, in the first FIA Rally Star Training Season in 2023.
By,
Author :RRS Correspondent
