Harry Bates to make European WRC debut in Portugal

Multiple Australian rally champion Harry Bates is set to make his European World Rally Championship debut at next month's Vodafone Rally de Portugal. Bates will pilot a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, prepared by Sports Racing Technologies, with British co-driver Keaton Williams joining him for the event.

While Bates previously competed in the WRC2 category at Rally New Zealand in 2022, this entry marks his first foray into the intense competition of the European circuit. The Canberra native noted that the gravel stages in Portugal share physical similarities with the terrain he is accustomed to in Australia, offering a degree of comfort on the world stage.

The GR Yaris will feature a special livery inspired by the classic Corolla WRC colors famously driven by his father, Neal Bates. The entry is supported by Toyota Australia, continuing a long-standing partnership between the manufacturer and the Bates family that has spanned several decades of national competition.