Taylor Gill and Daniel Brkic – Junior WRC

Taylor Gill and co-driver Daniel Brkic have won the first round of the Junior WRC 2025 season at Rally Sweden, completing the run mistake-free.

This marks the duo’s second win in the premier junior rally competition, following their debut victory at Rally Finland in 2024.

Like the 2024 season, Gill’s speed was top class, but it was the pair’s consistent, mistake-free driving that confirmed their triumph.

This proved valuable when rally leader, Mille Johansson, was caught out by a corner midway through Saturday’s second leg.

Johansson’s mistake and subsequent time loss meant Gill and Brkic rocketed to a lead of more than a minute.

Gill and Brkic had also been chasing Leevi Lassila throughout Saturday, but the Finn’s Renault Clio Rally3 gave out on SS17, handing the Australians a golden opportunity.

“To win the first round of the year is amazing and it sets off the momentum in the right direction for the long year ahead,” Gill said.

“We set our expectations high this weekend, but winning the opening round of the year is better than we could ask for.

“Conditions were fantastic throughout the weekend and Dan and the FIA Rally Star team did an awesome job and were on song all rally. It was a pleasure to drive on these stages. Snow driving is not so bad!”

With both Johansson and Lassila faltering over the weekend, Gill and Brkic’s mistake-free performance on studded tyres in the fast and slippery conditions proved decisive.

Looking ahead, Gill and co-driver Brkic will shift their focus to the gravel stages of Rallye de Portugal, set to take place on May 15-18.

Gill’s final winning margin of 22 seconds was ahead of the recovering Johansson and Irish driver, Eamonn Kelly, in third.

Both rivals are likely to appear regularly at the top all season long, which it could pose as a challenge for the Aussies to maintain this outstanding performance.

“As soon as Mille (Johansson) had his issue, we understood the task at hand and measured our driving to ensure we could take this victory,” Gill added.

“Any win in the WRC is hard fought and this is no different, so we’re rapt.”

James Allen and Griffen Peebles – 4 Hours of Abu Dhabi

Australian drivers James Allen and Griffin Peebles delivered strong performances at the 4 Hours of Abu Dhabi, showcasing their talent in a competitive endurance racing field.

James Allen, driving for RD Limited in the LMP2 class, teamed up with Fred Poordad and Tristan Vautier in their Oreca 07 – Gibson.

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

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

Despite qualifying 12th with a 1:55.930, Peebles and Moellier fought hard to finish second in their class in Race 2, completing 106 laps.

They also took 11th overall in both races, highlighting their resilience and determination.

Both Australians showcased their skill and adaptability, earning class podiums and contributing to their teams’ success in a challenging endurance racing weekend.

Jack Beeton and Aaron Cameron – Formula Regional Middle East Championship

Round 4 at the Yas Marina Circuit saw Australian drivers Jack Beeton and Aaron Cameron navigate a challenging weekend in a competitive field.

Young Aussie, Jack Beeton, representing Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited, showed consistent pace despite setbacks.

Beeton qualified 12th in Qualifying 1 with a 1:50.756 and improved to 11th in Qualifying 2 with a 1:50.150. The Queensland driver finished 13th in Race 1, clocking 30:51.581, but unfortunately, his Race 2 ended prematurely after being taken out in the open lap.

In Race 3, Beeton secured a strong eighth place with a time of 31:41.858, just 4.130 seconds behind Ernesto Rivera of Pinnacle Motorsport.

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

The Victorian driver 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 bounced back in Race 3, finishing ninth with a time of 31:43.412, just 5.032 seconds behind fellow Aussie Jack Beeton.

Also seen at Yas Marina, Seth Gilmore continues his international journey with Evans GP for the 2025 Formula 4 Middle East Championship.

Previously, Gilmore showed strong progress in the F4 Trophy Series in the UAE and is now showing his continued efforts throughout the four rounds and upcoming final round at Lusail International Circuit.