“WRC organisers announced the cancellation of the Rally due to the serious fire that continued to affect Northern NSW. It is very unfortunate that this lovely country is going through something like this. I hope that the fire is doused soon and normalcy is restored. My thoughts are with the families who have been impacted by this,” the WRC2 driver and three-time APRC champion Gaurav saidin a statement.

"Personally, I feel sad that the Rally could not take place. I was feeling confident and the car was looking good too and I thought I could make the podium, especially as I had a good run last year," Gill added.

The Arjuna Awardee, supported by JK Tyre, is now looking forward to the rest of the season in India.

"I will be back for the INRC soon and I will try to reassert my supremacy," Gill said.