Taylor Gill kept his cool on Sunday to claim back-to-back FIA Junior WRC victories and draw level with Mille Johansson in the championship standings, topping the leaderboard at Vodafone Rally de Portugal after a measured drive through the final leg.

Portugal, 18 May 2025: The Australian, co-driven by Daniel Brkíc, maintained a calm and consistent approach throughout Sunday’s six-stage final leg – showing the same composure that had defined his entire week. Starting the day with a 45.5sec advantage, Gill managed his lead perfectly to secure victory by 13.4sec over Johansson.

Taylor Gill: “What a tough weekend. So long and so demanding — physically and mentally. But yeah, I’m really proud of the job we did. We really came out of the box firing on Friday morning and controlled the rally from there. Big thanks to everyone who gave me this opportunity. Dan did a mega job this weekend, and there are so many people behind the scenes who contributed to this result. I’m just so happy right now.”

Gill took control of the rally from SS2 onwards, capitalising on an early error from Johansson, who rolled on Friday morning. That incident left the Swede on the back foot for the remainder of the event.
Despite the setback, Johansson mounted a ferocious comeback – clocking 13 fastest times across the rally. While it wasn’t enough to overhaul Gill, those stage wins proved vital. With bonus points awarded for each stage victory, the pair now sit level on 59 points apiece after round two of five.
Türkiye’s Kerem Kazaz delivered a breakthrough performance to claim third overall. Contesting just his second Junior WRC round, the 19-year-old impressed in his M-Sport Poland Ford Fiesta Rally3, finishing almost half a minute clear of Thomas Martens.

Martens, also in his rookie season, gained a position on the Wolf Power Stage by overtaking South African driver Max Smart. Just 4.3sec separated the duo at the finish.

Estonian driver Joosep Nõgene completed the rally in sixth, while Eamonn Kelly bounced back from a puncture on Friday to win a stage on Sunday and finish seventh. Diego Domínguez damaged his suspension on Friday but battled through to the end in eighth.

Despite early troubles, Ali Türkkan, Tristan Charpentier and Claire Schönborn all made it to the finish – locking out positions ninth to 11th.

The FIA Junior WRC season continues next at EKO Acropolis Rally Greece, which takes place from 26 – 29 June.

Provisional Rally Classification:

1. Taylor Gill (AUS) – 4:15:07.3;

2. Mille Johansson (SWE) – +45.5;

3. Kerem Kazaz (TUR) – +4:11.7;

4. Thomas Martens (BEL) – +4:40.9;

5. Max Smart (ZAF) – +4:45.2;

6. Joosep Nõgene (EST) – +5:53.6;

7. Eamonn Kelly (IRL) – +10:46.3;

8. Diego Domínguez (PRY) – +20:10.3;

9. Ali Türkkan (TUR) – +34:12.5;

10. Tristan Charpentier (FRA) – +1:24:15.3;

11. Claire Schönborn (DEU) – +1:50:15.5.

Stage Winners:

SS1 SSS Figueira da Foz – Mille Johansson

SS2 Mortágua 1 – Taylor Gill

SS3 Lousã 1 – Mille Johansson

SS4 Góis 1 – Taylor Gill

SS5 Arganil 1 – Taylor Gill

SS6 Lousã 2 – Diego Dominguez

SS7 Góis 2 – Mille Johansson

SS8 Arganil 2 – Taylor Gill

SS9 Mortágua 2 – Interrupted

SS10 Águeda / Sever – Mille Johansson

SS11 Sever / Albergaria – Mille Johansson

SS12 Vieira do Minho 1 – Taylor Gill

SS13 Cabeceiras de Basto 1 – Taylor Gill

SS14 Amarante 1 – Mille Johansson

SS15 Vieira do Minho 2 – Mille Johansson

SS16 Cabeceiras de Basto 2 – Mille Johansson
SS17 Amarante 2 – Mille Johansson
SS18 SSS Lousada – Mille Johansson
SS19 Paredes 1 – Mille Johansson
SS20 Felgueiras 1 – Eamonn Kelly
SS21 Fafe 1 – Mille Johansson
SS22 Paredes 2 – Taylor Gill
SS23 Felgueiras 2 – Tristan Charpentier
SS24 Fafe 2 – Mille Johansson