Ken Block to WRC in a Ford

There's only like 15 cars running in the top class of the WRC anyway, so as long as Block can stay on the road and beat the much lower funded privateers, he'll be fighting for a top ten. Not that it matters much, since the only people who win are Loeb and Hirvonen. Seriously, In the last two years the have been TWO rallies won by other drivers.

So it will be cool to watch Block in the WRC, but don't hold your breath for much competition, from him or anyone else...

sachilles wrote: I think the goal is to campaign a full season in the WRC. If that is the case, he'd be the first American to accomplish that. Others have competed in a WRC events on a limited basis.

You have to rememebr that back when Buffman was running very few people ran the full series, even the factory teams and drivers would pick what events would suit them and their cars and pick and choose accordingly. I'm really happy Ken's doing it, but I in no way consider him the first American to make a serious effort in the WRC

DukeOfUndersteer wrote: hmmm... an ex-F1 World Champion vs. a shoe salesman...

This guy?

Kidding aside - count me as a "Plus One" for the possible increase in WRC media coverage. Maybe even NascarTV will deign to air WRC events again? One can hope against hope. . .

The WRC website says that Block is the first American to "make a multi-year commitment to the series". That's probably a fair statement.

I guess we'll find out how quick they are in a month or so in Sweden! Block is being realistic about his chances, viewing this as a building year. Between Block and Kimi, there should be a lot more new WRC fans this year.

Keith wrote: I guess we'll find out how quick Kimi is in a month or so in Sweden! Block is being realistic about his chances, viewing this as a building year. Between Block and Kimi, there should be a lot more new WRC fans this year.

Fixed that for ya.

I don't think Kimi's going to be a factor for at least a year, even if he is Finnish

Keith wrote: I don't think Kimi's going to be a factor for at least a year, even if he is Finnish

And Block won't be a factor in Sweden, as he won't be there! His debut is in Mexico, mang.

I still feel you guys are going a little hard on the dude. He is fast (in North America) and the competition isn't THAT stiff to get into the top 10. I still believe he'll be as fast (if not faster) than Matt Wilson in his first outing. Considering Matt is 1) young and 2) been doing this for what, 3 years now? I believe that means something if you can beat him.

Wilson actually first raced in the WRC in 2004, although he's only been a regular driver for four full seasons now. If he didn't have a certain father, he should have been turfed off the Ford team last year and replaced with Petter Solberg. I think Petter will keep the pressure on the top guys this year, and it would not surprise me to see him on top of the podium.

There are a lot of national rally champions who have to work pretty hard to get into the top 10. Will Block be one of them? I dunno. I think the WRC is a far deeper pool than North American rallying, as Pastrana has discovered. The comparison with Wilson is an interesting one, there's some validity there.

But like I've said a few times, if Block's participation gets more people interested in WRC, I'm all for it.

And in case anybody wants Ken's view on the subject (I'm sure you've already watched this Keith):

http://www.drivingsports.com/site/2010/01/ken-block-interview-part-3-wrc-rally/

HiTempguy wrote: And in case anybody wants Ken's view on the subject (I'm sure you've already watched this Keith): http://www.drivingsports.com/site/2010/01/ken-block-interview-part-3-wrc-rally/

Yeah, ken for sure seems like a good guy.

As much hate as he gets, its not really meant for him more for his marketing. Its nothing we all wouldn't do in his position.

He seems to be very realistic about the whole thing.

Once he starts in Mexico, is he in for the rest of the season?

This season is limited, like they are running half of the events.

Next season, they plan to run the full series.

Matt B wrote: Maybe even NascarTV will deign to air WRC events again?

Won't happen. Danica has a partial Nationwide schedule this year, so that's all they'll cover.

Hitler finds out about Ken Block driving a Ford

For those who are interested:

http://flatovercrest.com/2010/01/ken-block-fiesta-official-video-pics/

My only thoughts are good luck, I'll be watching, and please, please, put down the florescent bulb!

Coool! I didn't realise this is the same car:

http://www.rallybuzz.com/block-fiesta-ready-for-sno-drift/ said: The red, white and blue colored OMSE Fiesta that Marcus Gronholm drove up Pikes Peak last summer has been transformed into a black and green monster that will be driven in Rally America by the American Ken Block.

Sorry if that was already mentioned earlier.

Carson wrote: and please, please, put down the florescent bulb!

Yes, then run it over in SUPER SLOW MO! (wait, don't do that either)

Can't wait for the rally season to get started again. I tried watching IRC since its started already... But it turns out it is impossible to find a place to watch it, beyond 3 minute youtube clips. (Currently accepting PM's if anyone has any input on that one... would still like to watch both)

Will be cool to see how he does. I wish him luck (though I think he will need it). I really hope that WRC doesn't just chew him up and spit him out when he can't run in the points consistently.

I am going to have to go find the clip of Gronholm now, hadn't heard he did that.

Carson wrote: For those who are interested: http://flatovercrest.com/2010/01/ken-block-fiesta-official-video-pics/ My only thoughts are good luck, I'll be watching, and please, please, put down the florescent bulb!

ZOMG!!! I WANT THAT CAR!!!

Block out with suspension failure on stage 7 of the Sno*Drift rally. It sounds like he went off, but reports are iffy on why it broke. I'm sure everyone at Ford is like "FML" right now (where is the head hitting wall smilie when you need it)?!

Didn't a suspension failure knock him out of SS1 in Rallye Defi last year in the Escort MKII? Track record isn't looking so great so far in (non-Subaru) blue ovals. I hope that changes for him.

i think will be a learning year for Kimi, but i will be surprised if he doesn't catch up pretty quickly. he is far too talented of a driver to be an also-ran for very long in any series.