Its been in the pipeline for a while but it was finally confirmed yesterday that Ken Block will be participating in the 2010 World Rally Championship. The first American driver to ever campaign in the WRCs colourful 38-year history,Block will be competing in a select amount of rally rounds with, according to the press release, an emphasis on developing his ability for a successful future. Driving for the newly formed Monster World Rally Team, Block will be armed with a dirt-slinging Ford Focus RS specially tuned by M-Sport, the company responsible for handling all of Fords World Rally efforts. M-Sports Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson, who played a significant role in ushering Block into the WRC, had this to say: It is great news that Ken will be joining the WRC and even better that it will be with Ford! Ken has been instrumental in elevating the public awareness of rallying throughout the world with his multimedia exploits, particularly in the U.S. which is a key global market and an area where WRC has yet to reach its full potential. Kens appearance in the WRC and his desire to compete toe-to-toe at the highest level is indicative of the determination and drive that he has exhibited in all areas of his life to datebe it in business or personal targets. Ken is a colorful character with a huge fan base and his decision to appear in the WRC is warmly welcomed.
When grilled about his partnership with the Monster World Rally Team, Block responded by saying,I am stoked to be rallying in a Ford! They are an impressive force in the sport. From the days of the 1970s Escorts to the Group B RS200, to the modern-day Focus and now the Fiesta, Ford has an excellent history within rally. I couldnt be happier to be part of this amazing heritage. Not to mention my dad would be proud. He was a true Ford guy.
Personally I cant wait to see Mr. Block rocking the WRC next year. Ive been a big fan ever since I saw his first gymkhana video streamed on the YouTube last year and I think the mans down-to-earth persona and most radical driving skills will definitely inject new energy into the sport. Itll definitely take him a few rounds to find his feet but Im sure that by the end of the year hell be giving Seb Loeb a proper run for his money.