HARRY BATES UPGRADES TO TOYOTA YARIS FOR ARC

Harry Bates with his new AP4 Toyota Yaris – Photo: Supplied

Harry Bates will upgrade to a new AP4 specification Toyota Yaris for the remainder of this years Australian Rally Championship.

The new car, currently being built at Neal Bates Motorsport in Canberra will be a big change from the S2000 Corolla that Bates currently campaigns. The AP4 regulations that were introduced at the start of 2016 will allow the new car to turbocharged with more suspension travel and a lower centre of gravity.

“Having a new rally car will be amazing – I expect it to be faster than the current car,” said Harry.

“Even so, I have a steep learning curve with the new car, so I’m not expecting to jump in and be up to speed right off the bat.

“However, by Rally Australia in November, I’d expect to be in a good position to fight for the championship in the new car.”

The new Toyota Yaris AP4 being built at Neal Bates Motorsport – Photo: Supplied

Bates, who currently maintains a narrow lead in the championship over Subaru’s Molly Taylor, will debut the new car at the next ARC event in South Australia. However, is expecting some challenges debuting a new car mid-season.

“At the end of the day, I have full faith in the team from Neal Bates Motorsport. Dad and his team have always built amazing cars and this one will be no exception.” Bates continued.

The new car for Bates comes as Toyota ramps up it’s commitment to rallying ahead of the Australian debut of Toyota’s WRC team at Rally Australia in Coffs Harbour in November that Toyota Australia will be a leading sponsor.

TOYOTA YARIS AP4 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 300hp+ (224kW+) 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Driveline: Six-speed sequential gearbox, all-wheel drive

Suspension: MacPherson strut front and rear, MCA dampers

Weight: 1230kg (minimum weight)

Brakes: AP Racing 300mm rotors, four-pot callipers

ECU: Motec M150, power management system and C125 display/logger

Wheels: Speedline gravel 15″ x 7″

We’ll have more coverage of the Australian Rally Championship in an upcoming edition of Auto Action Magazine. In the meantime follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates between issues.