Engine trouble forces Gill to pull out

There was more disappointment in store for India's Gaurav Gill at the Asia Pacific Rally Championship's season-closing China Rally, as a fourth straight DNF (did not finish) robbed him of a podium position.

There was more disappointment in store for India's Gaurav Gill at the Asia Pacific Rally Championship's season-closing China Rally, as a fourth straight DNF (did not finish) robbed him of a podium position. There was some good news for Team MRF, however, as Chris Atkinson came home second to seal the drivers' crown.

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As the season concludes, Gill will be left saying what if after car troubles forced him to exit the past three rallies while leading. On this occasion, Gill was second before his Skoda S2000 gave way.

A disappointing end to a season after a win and podium in his first two races left him in with a shout of challenging teammate and WRC veteran Atkinson for the drivers' crown.

"A blown engine in the first stage put an end to my chances. This is the fourth time in a row that I did not finish due to mechanical failure. I feel sad as I still hold the maximum fastest stages this year," said Gill.

Despite Gill's woes, Team MRF had a reason to celebrate after Atkinson won the drivers' title and they won the team championship.