MRF’s Japanese driver Katsuhiko Taguchi won the Rally Hokkaido, the second leg of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship here on Sunday, continuing the winning streak after capturing the Malaysian Rally title last month. Local driver H. Yanagisawa of Team Cusco stood second, while India’s Gaurav Gill came third.
The last six stages at the rally saw an intense battle between Taguchi, Gill and Yanagisawa. Gill, who was leading by five seconds, maintained dominance in the 13th stage, the opening event, of the final day. Taguchi was second followed by Yanagisawa.
The next stage was a crucial one for Taguchi as he snatched the lead from Gill after the latter’s car hit a pole, resulting in one of the wheels coming off.
Further disaster awaited Gill as the tyres gave way and his car had a brake failure. Gill was on the third spot after the 15th stage, while Yanagisawa had climbed to second. The standing remained such till the end as it was impossible for Gill to pull up in the last stages.
It was disheartening for Gill though teammate Taguchi got MRF the desired top spot even as he rued the missed opportunity of a top-two finish. “I had problems with my car, which escalated due to the rough roads and hit a pole which in turn got the wheels off. To make thing worse, I had a brake failure too. That is where I lost on time,” said Gill.
“However, I have been better off this season as compared to the previous ones. Moreover, it’s brilliant that MRF has begun the season with victories and podium finishes in both the events. It can’t get better than this! But yes, had I come second it would have been great,” said Gill, who finished second in the Malaysian leg.
Victory at home has doubled Taguchi’s confidence as the team sets sight on the International Rally of Whangarei, New Zealand, in July. “It was a very close finish today. I was lagging by five seconds in the 13th stage. And by another three seconds in the next stage. But I was fortunate to make up in the next stages as Gill was having problems,” said Taguchi.
“I am glad that we had a good competition. It is good for MRF to have a podium finish,” he said, adding, “My aim for 2010 is to become the champion.”
“In New Zealand, a lot will depend on how team Proton performs,” said Taguchi, while Gill added, “The wea-ther too will determine results as the track there is not very challenging as co-mpared to Rally Hokkaido.”
Provisional points table:
1. Katsuhiko Taguchi 74
2. Gaurav Gill 49
3. Hiroshi Yanagisawa 26
3. Rifat Sungkar 20
4. Yuya Sumiyama 16
5. Chris Atkinson 15
6. Alister Mcrae 10