Reset prepares Gill for second Italian start

Taylor Gill and Dan Brkic have found improvements in their approach as they look ahead to contesting the Rally della Marca in Italy this weekend.

Their first event in the Turbocar-owned Citroen C3 Rally2 a month ago left the Australians searching for a number of gains, but with time to reflect on a short visit to Australia, they return to the Italian Challenger Championship with optimism.

“The first event of our program didn’t go to plan, and we left Italy with a lot to think about,” Gill explained.

“There was a range of items on the improvement list, and we’re hoping to have taken steps in the right direction to change them for the second round of our program so we can attack it with more confidence and hopefully speed to be closer to the leaders.

“We probably underestimated the challenge of jumping in a new car and driving for a brand new team. I’m still relatively young in my career, and working with an unfamiliar team in a new country was a learning experience for me.

“Returning to Australia is always a pleasure, and although it was a busy time, it’s a great way to help me reset.”

Rally della Marca sees teams tackle stages in the north east of Italy, approximately four hours east of where Gill and Brkic tackled their last Italian rally.

This time, though, they’re in for more competitive kilometres, despite hitting the stages for just one day.

Seven stages will run this Saturday for 101 competitive kilometres that continue the twisty mountainous road of the opener.

The entry list is dominated by many fast locals in Rally2 cars, and with stages similar to previous editions of the event, Gill’s pre-event processes will be paramount in helping their performance.

Meanwhile, generous support from partners means the Australian pair will yet again tackle Rally Finland at the end of the month, with their names appearing on the entry list as car 34 for the iconic World Rally Championship event.

“Rally Finland is so special, and to be able to see our names on the entry list again is amazing,” Gill added.

“Driving a Rally2 car on those roads will be something else, but the competition will be as fierce as I’ve ever faced.

“We're working as hard as ever to make this weekend one to remember; however, our focus will have to shift quickly once we’re over the finish line.”

Rally della Marca begins with Shakedown on Friday before a city centre start in the picturesque Montebelluna that evening.

Taylor Gill and Daniel Brkic’s 2026 program is supported by: Ferratum, PowerPlay, Accent Benchtops, FlowTech Australia, Hissi Keskus, Premier Pools, WOLF Sports, Dogbox Oy, Lithiumax, RallySchool Australia, Curiositi, The Oil Warehouse, M31 Consulting, Punkahajun Kilpi Oy, RallySport Magazine, and Ice Cube

The pair's Italian rallies in 2026 would not be possible without: Pintarally Motorsport, Turbocar Sport, Gruppo Intent, Romagna cavi, Mezzoli Agostino, CLC&C, Officine-at.it, PE.SO., Inventive, M.B. Noleggio ponteggi, Abela design, SyAtec, VSE Service