Indian champion Gaurav Gill has claimed his maiden APRC victory on the hot and dusty tracks of South Sulawesi. Rally Indonesia is one of the toughest events on the APRC calendar, but Gill made it look easy, taking an early lead on day 1 and holding off both Cody Crocker and Katsu Taguchi, who charged at him on day 2.

"I’m really happy to be matching the speed of the big boys, that’s what I wanted and that’s what we’ve achieved here. It’s a brilliant feeling comparing your times when the difference is only seconds or half seconds. I’ve been watching these guys for years, now I’m racing against them and matching their times", said Gaurav at the podium ceremony.

"This is great for Indian motorsports for sure, maybe they were expecting a podium from me but not a win – I expect it will surprise a few people. To be honest I felt a bit of pressure, but I knew I wanted to come here and win for sure."

Behind Gaurav, team-mate Katsu Taguchi held on for second place, edging ahead of Cody Crocker who lost a place with a puncture on the second-last stage of the rally.

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