MOTORSPORT: Block seals WRC deal

Just weeks after ex-Formula One world champion Kimi Raikkonen was confirmed as a starter for this year's World Rally Championship comes the second big name signing for the sport. YouTube star, American Rally regular and Carsales Network favourite, Ken Block, has sealed his deal to drive a Ford Focus this year.

When the news first broke late last year we reported Australian WRC ace Chris Atkinson was in the running to partner Block in the Monster Energy Drink backed team. But while there was no mention of Atkinson during this announcement the team has said further news about the program is coming.

Block will be the first driver from the United States to regularly compete in the 38-year history of the WRC. The deal is described as a "multi-year program" and will see Block drive a Focus WRC machine prepared by factory racing outfit M-Sport in selected rounds in 2010 before tackling more events in 2011.

"Racing in the World Rally Championship has always been a dream of mine but I'd still be dreaming if I promised podiums in the near future," Block said. "I will be going head-to-head with the greatest drivers on the planet. And sure, I will be giving it my all but my main objective for 2010 is to develop into a competitive driver for 2011 and beyond."

In addition to a boost for the WRC the deal will also help Ford tap into the youth market with Block also set to drive a Ford Fiesta in the American Rally Championship and at X Games this year. That will coincide with the launch of the Fiesta road car in the United States.

"I am stoked to be rallying in a Ford," Block said. "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 couldn't be happier to be part of this amazing heritage. Not to mention my dad would be proud. He was a true Ford guy."

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi