Looks like the Monster Energy Team rumours are true - first rumoured when Atko was testing blocks Mk2 Escort. autosport.com - WRC News: Block lined up for WRC campaign I like Block, but not sure how he'll fare in the WRC.
According to a good friend of mine he is nothing but decent, a thoroughly genuine bloke. But he has the money to play and the money to spend on marketting himself correctly. He is a fantastic showman, but I dont for a second believe he will be able to cut it in WRC. i guess only time will tell, and i do hope he manages to prove me wrong.
x 2 Could end up a train wreck imo but ill reserve judgement on his skills until we see him sqeezing through the trees in finland next year. Id imagine it is quite different from diffing in a disused carpark
In all fairness, the guy can steer better than 99.9% of people who have ever driven a motor vehicle - i just dont think he would be in the Top 20 drivers in the world when it comes to Rallying. Not far off it mind
x4. Quite surprised he's jumping straight into WRC. Thought GpN might be more straightforward.... although Pastrami didn't exactly set the world alright anytime he entered PWRC. Still think its good overall for the WRC though. he's got a good PR machine etc behind him, which can only help WRC's profile in the states.
a talented drive like block should fair well enough look at valentino rossi rossi's outings, and he was coming from 2 wheels track racing to 4wd rallying
Hopefully he does well as he seems genuine enough. I think he has come under a lot of unfair judgement due to the fact he likes to make entertaining videos. He isn't cocky or arrogant and i'm sure he doesn't think he will be title material himself. I get the feeling though that he will be the Park Ji-Sung in WRC. Originally there to sell a brand in an untapped market, but convince the doubters that he has a purpose beyond that.
I have seen Block in a mk2 and he was far from impressive, he isn't a World Class driver but he brings a brand, a mental fan base and a lot of flare and excitment to a championship which isn't what it once was. In that respect, as a package he will bring more interest to the WRC and keep current interest. I personally dont really follow the WRC any more as it's 2 cars and 2 drivers. If block started a drive in it, I would probably keep an eye n video's and results. He should be on a power with M Wilson and Henning Solberg after one full season if not sooner.
People forget that the driving is one thing but the years of experience on events the others have and plus Block admitted himself he isnt profeicent in pacenotes and in any rally that is key never mind a WRC event. Imagine tackling Finland and not been that comfy with the notes - scary stuff
To be honest, WRC is not that competitive. WRC is all about affording the best car these days. After all, that Wilson chap can get around 8th regularly, and he is hardly a star. And Petter Solberg did well in an ancient antique of a Citroen. Block is famous for the air field, but he is doing a lot more on the side. No idea if he will be good enough, time will tell. Rallying is about more than just driving skills.
x5. BUT...this is why it's good for rallying. He's a big name, with a big fan base and new sponsors. Hopefully it will re-energise rallying, increase exposure given to the sport, which will in turn attract new fans, new sponsors, more money and hopefully more manufacturers.
Cant see him doing too much either, although I think if he knuckles down and leaves the showboating out of it he might do ok. It'll be steep learning curve for him, that's for sure. Agree with Cess. You could do worse than getting the Yanks interested.
All a big marketing program to get wrc more high profile in America !!!!!! Be good to see Atkinson back all the same.
Ken Block plays down talk of WRC deal with Ford for next year | RallyBuzz Looks like this may not be on the cards after all.
on the latest episode of nitro circus him and travis pastrana had a banter session because pastrana beat him in some championship at rally in the US. obv block wiped the floor in their silly games part....was hilarious!
i remember him speaking a few months ago in an interview when dirt 2 was released about the wrc. he mentioned that being at wrc level would be a dream come true so at least hes not full of him self he can fairly handle the impreza tho i reckon he could do well after a bit of experience
Does it mean he takes Henning's place at Ford then? WRC is turning into some sort of celebrity rich man's circus, with Raikkonen and now Block. Should be fun watching both though, and with the same thin line-up as last year they should make top 8 easily.
Fiesta he'll use on the US Rally Championship Monster World Rally Team Rally America Livery Revealed | RallyBuzz [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8lSbpAHRnk]YouTube - Ken Block 's Ford Fiesta under the spotlight and the Monster World Rally Team 2010 Schedule[/ame]