After a victory each in the first two races of the season in New Zealand and New Caledonia, Team MRF's Pontus Tidemand (co-driver Emil Axelsson) and Gaurav Gill (co-driver Glen Macneall) will resume their battle at the International Rally of Queensland, the third round of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), to be run here from June 19 to 21.
While Tidemand cashed in on Gill’s misfortune to win on debut at the Rally of Whangarei, the latter cruising to victory in the next round.
That only three points separate Tidemand (70) and Gill (67) after two legs reveals how close the races have been. Though Gill was unlucky at Whangarei — he had to cope with a troubled car for most part — he put it behind him and roared ahead at New Caledonia.
The win not only helped Gill narrow the gap on the leaderboard, but also set up an intriguing contest for the drivers’ crown. The Indian is well aware that Tidemand is a strong challenger, and knows how good the youngster is, particularly after the drive in Whangarei.
Both Gill and Tidemand are geared up for another duel. “He (Gill) knows the routes better than me as this is my first APRC race in Australia,” said Tidemand.
“Gill will start with an advantage but I am ready,” he added. Gill, on the other hand, wants to continue his winning form.
“I had a good outing in New Caledonia and want to do well here too. The car is in good shape and it is a good sign,” said the Indian who has been nominated for the Arjuna Award.
It will be interesting to see who shines brighter on the Sunshine Coast — Gill or Tidemand.
MRF sits out
MRF cars did not take part in Friday’s shakedown, and instead, were being given the final tune-in at the service park before the start of the rally on Saturday.
After rain for the past few days made the area in and around the shakedown venue muddy, Team MRF decided to play it safe and keep the cars in good shape and focus on the race instead of risking them in such conditions.
(P. Srinivas Aditya is in Australia at the invitation of MRF Limited)