Harry Bates is set to make his first FIA World Rally Championship start in Europe as he prepares to compete in Rally de Portugal next month. The Australian driver will take part in round six of the 2026 WRC season, marking a significant step in his international rally career.
Bates will drive a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, operated Sports Racing Technologies, with British co driver Keaton Williams supporting him on pace notes. The event will be held in Portugal, one of the most iconic stops on the WRC calendar known for its demanding gravel stages and passionate rally fans.
This appearance represents a major milestone for Bates, who has built a strong reputation in Australia with multiple national titles. While he previously competed in WRC2 at Rally New Zealand in 2022, most of his success has come on home soil. The Portugal rally offers him an opportunity to test his skills against a highly competitive international field.
Bates described his earlier WRC experience as a valuable learning opportunity and expressed enthusiasm about returning to the global stage. Competing in Europe presents new challenges, including different terrain, pace, and competition levels, all of which will play a role in shaping his performance.
As the rally approaches, attention will be on how Bates adapts to the European circuit and whether he can translate his domestic success into a strong showing on the world stage. His debut in Portugal marks an important step forward in his ambition to compete more regularly in international rallying.
