MOTORSPORT: Atko still a chance for WRC in '10

World Rally Championship ace Chris Atkinson remains on-track to join Ken Block in the new Monster Energy World Rally Team. Speaking to the series' official website, Block revealed he still wants the Australian to partner him at the new Ford team later this year.

When the tie-up between the energy drink company and Ford's World Rally team, M-Sport, first emerged late last year Atkinson was expected to drive a second Focus WRC alongside Block. But adequate funding couldn't be secured in time for a full season campaign so Atkinson will remain on the sidelines for much of this year as well.

However, Block revealed in his interview with WRC.com that work is still going on behind-the-scenes to install Atkinson in a second Monster-sponsored Focus for at least one rally this year ahead of a fulltime campaign in 2011.

"We really tried to work out some deals to get him in the team this year," Block told WRC.com. "I really like Chris, he's a really good guy and an amazing driver, but unfortunately the deals didn't come together how we wanted. We're looking to have him come out possibly for an event or two this year -- we're not really sure when or where -- and then looking to have him in the team for 2011. But that's all up to sponsors and what my agents can do with putting some deals together. We want the team to feature multiple drivers over the years, and Chris is someone I like and respect so we're looking to try and have him as part of the team."

In the same interview Block also confirmed that he has begun planning the next instalment in his internet smash-hit Gymkhana series. Even though he will be busy with commitments in both the WRC and Rally American Series he has vowed to give his fans more of what they want.

"Well, we've always got some fun plans," he said. "I'm blessed that I get to play in the most amazing cars on the planet. In my opinion rally cars are incredible vehicles; not only to race but also to have a lot of fun with. I really enjoy the racing aspect, and that's the basis of everything I do, but it's also fun to go out and take the cars and do other things like jump them or slide around a bit for some gymkhana type driving. We'll do a bit of that this year too."

In keeping with his switch to Ford he revealed work has begun on the construction of a Fiesta for the new video.

"We'll use a Fiesta," he said. "In fact, the Olsberg shop [the Rallycross team that builds the Fiesta racing machines] in Sweden is building me a new gymkhana car right now -- that's in addition to the [open class] car I'll use this year in the American Championship. We need a specific car for gymkhana because the suspension set-up and the power band is quite different to rally. To be able to break the tyres loose like that on tarmac and then control that spin takes at least 500 to 600 horsepower and a consistent amount of low end torque."

In the meantime, feel free to watch this video below of Block testing his new Fiesta for the American championship...

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