Taylor Gill and Daniel Brkic Shine at Rally Sweden, Claim Victory in Junior WRC Season Opener

Taylor Gill and Daniel Brkic – Junior WRC

Taylor Gill, alongside co-driver Daniel Brkic, clinched victory in the opening round of the Junior WRC 2025 season at Rally Sweden, completing the event without any mistakes.

This win marks the pair’s second triumph in the prestigious junior rally championship, following their debut success at Rally Finland in 2024.

Consistent with their performance last season, Gill’s speed was exceptional, but it was their faultless driving that ultimately secured their win.

This proved crucial when rally leader Mille Johansson encountered difficulties with a corner during the second leg on Saturday.

Johansson’s slip-up and subsequent time loss allowed Gill and Brkic to surge into a lead of over a minute.

The Australians had been in pursuit of Leevi Lassila throughout Saturday until the Finn’s Renault Clio Rally3 failed on SS17, providing Gill and Brkic with a remarkable opportunity.

“Winning the first round of the year is incredible and creates a positive momentum for the long season ahead,” Gill expressed.

“We set our aspirations high this weekend, and triumphing in the opening round far exceeded our expectations.

“The conditions throughout the weekend were fantastic, and Dan, along with the FIA Rally Star team, executed flawlessly. It was a joy to navigate these stages. Driving on snow isn’t so bad!”

With both Johansson and Lassila encountering hurdles over the weekend, Gill and Brkic’s flawless performance on studded tyres under fast and slippery conditions proved decisive.

Next on the agenda for Gill and co-driver Brkic is the gravel stages at Rallye de Portugal, scheduled for May 15-18.

Gill’s final winning margin was 22 seconds ahead of Johansson, while Irish driver Eamonn Kelly secured third place.

Both competitors are likely to frequently challenge for the top spots throughout the season, presenting a potential challenge for the Australians to sustain their remarkable performance.

“Once Mille (Johansson) had his issues, we recognised the task ahead and calibrated our driving to secure this win,” Gill added.

“Any victory in the WRC is hard-earned, and this one is no exception, so we’re absolutely thrilled.”

James Allen and Griffen Peebles – 4 Hours of Abu Dhabi

Aussie drivers James Allen and Griffin Peebles put in commendable performances at the 4 Hours of Abu Dhabi, demonstrating their skill in a fiercely competitive endurance racing environment.

James Allen, participating in the LMP2 class for RD Limited, joined forces with Fred Poordad and Tristan Vautier in their Oreca 07 – Gibson.

After qualifying in ninth place with a time of 1:50.902, the team secured a class podium with a second-place finish in Race 2, along with a sixth overall in Race 1.

Meanwhile, Griffen Peebles, racing in the LMP3 class for Bretton Racing, partnered with Jens Reno Moellier in their Ligier JS P320 – Nissan.

Despite qualifying 12th with a time of 1:55.930, Peebles and Moellier battled to finish second in their class in Race 2, completing an impressive 106 laps.

They also finished 11th overall in both races, underscoring their resilience and determination.

Both Australians exhibited their skill and adaptability, securing class podiums and contributing to their teams’ success during a demanding endurance racing weekend.

Jack Beeton and Aaron Cameron – Formula Regional Middle East Championship

Round 4 at Yas Marina Circuit witnessed Australian drivers Jack Beeton and Aaron Cameron tackle a demanding weekend in a competitive lineup.

Young Aussie Jack Beeton, representing Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited, displayed consistent pace despite facing challenges.

Beeton qualified 12th in Qualifying 1 with a time of 1:50.756 and improved to 11th in Qualifying 2 with a time of 1:50.150. The Queensland driver finished Race 1 in 13th place with a time of 30:51.581, but his Race 2 was cut short due to an early collision.

In Race 3, Beeton reclaimed his form, securing an impressive eighth place with a time of 31:41.858, just 4.130 seconds behind Ernesto Rivera of Pinnacle Motorsport.

Aaron Cameron, competing for Evans GP, faced a more challenging qualifying session, placing 15th in both Qualifying 1 (1:50.974) and Qualifying 2 (1:50.443).

The Victorian finished 12th in Race 1 with a time of 30:50.273 and 19th in Race 2, trailing teammate Hoang Dat Sawer by 25.588 seconds.

However, Cameron rebounded in Race 3, finishing ninth with a time of 31:43.412, just 5.032 seconds behind fellow Aussie Jack Beeton.

Additionally at Yas Marina, Seth Gilmore continues his international campaign with Evans GP in the 2025 Formula 4 Middle East Championship.

Having already demonstrated promising progress in the F4 Trophy Series in the UAE, Gilmore is now keen to maintain his momentum through the remaining rounds, culminating in the final round at Lusail International Circuit.