Bates comes into the season-ending Rally of Canberra in fine form, having won the Adelaide Hills Rally and extending his lead in the title race to 23 points.
It’s enough to allow him to finish second overall and still win the title, but there’s a stipulation that it must be coupled with a Power Stage win.
In years past, Lewis might well be settling for second place and chasing solely that all-important final stage win.
This is 2023, though. Times have changed. He’s a multiple Power Stage winner now and has beaten his brother on numerous occasions.
That creates a simple target for he and co-driver Anthony McLoughlin.
“Our plan is to win the event and not let it come down to the Power Stage,” Lewis explained.
“I haven’t looked too much into the scenarios, but definitely Anthony and I plan to win the event. That rules out it coming down to the Power Stage.
“Obviously it’s slightly trickier for Harry because he’s got to win the event and the Power Stage. I feel like we’re in a slightly better position where it could work in our favour when we’re leading the event.
“It’s a very tricky event. Harry’s been very strong in the event in the last few years. He’s won it multiple times, it definitely won’t be easy.”
While Harry has the better record, Lewis comes into the rally with great improvement and with the upper hand in the championship.
It’s Harry who has to make the moves and be on top to win the title.
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