Chennai, April 17 -- Gaurav Gill, returning to rallying after a year's break, showed no sign of any rust as he put in a dominating performance to top the time sheets in the 49th South India Rally, which commenced at the Madras International Circuit here on Friday.

The three-day event is also the second round of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship powered by Vamcy Merla and Round-1 of the FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship, according to a press release.

The 44-year-old Delhi-based Gill, a three-time APRC champion and winner of seven National titles, clocked a combined time of two minutes, 51.5 seconds for the two loops of 1.45 Kms dirt Super Special Stage, piloting a Volkswagen Polo to finish 5.1 seconds ahead of his arch rival...