Block’s Monster dream to run for at least three years

American rally star Ken Block says he will fulfil a lifelong ambition to compete in the WRC when he tackles his first event, Rally Mexico, with the new Monster World Rally Team in March.

A seasoned competitor in the Rally America series, Block is best known around the globe for his stunt driving exploits - including a series of internet videos which have been viewed more than 50 million times.

Now, with the backing of Ford and Monster Energy, Block has the chance to compete in the series that fired his imagination as a child. "When I was growing up world rallying was what inspired me to drive a car," he told wrc.com. "It just looked like the most fun. In America, the major TV sports for cars back then were ones where the cars went in circles or straight ahead, and that didn’t inspire me the way that the WRC did. Competing in the WRC has been a dream since I was a little kid. In my mind, world rally drivers are the greatest in the world. I’m very happy to be here and it’s such a huge honour to be on the stages with people like Petter, Sebastien Loeb and now Kimi Raikkonen."

Block, 42, will drive an M-Sport-built Ford Focus RS WRC on a seven round programme in 2010, as part of a long term career development plan which extends for three years. "Getting into the WRC you can’t be expected to be instantly competitive - it takes years to get up to speed," he explained. "My plan goes right through 2012, so I’m looking to get time in the car this year, so in 2011 and 2012 I can be more competitive."

In 2010 year the Monster World Rally Team will field just one car on the majority of its nominated rallies, however Block hopes to add more cars to the squad in the future, with his friend and former Subaru factory team driver Chris Atkinson in the frame for a seat in 2011, and possibly before the end of this year.

"We really tried to work out some deals to get him in the team this year" said Block. "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."