Block thanks rally fans following off

Ken Block has thanked the spectators who got him back on the road following his trip into a snow bank on the 11th stage of Rally Sweden.

The Monster World Rally Team driver skated off on a downhill right-hander and got stuck.

“I didn’t know how hard to push on downhill section into the ski resort,” said the American Ford Fiesta RS WRC driver. “I pushed too hard on a right and went right into a bank and got stuck. Luckily there was a tonne of spectators to help me so it’s thanks to them. It was a really good stage, really fun but it was just unfortunate that I messed up at the end. But I’d never driven in snow downhill into a hairpin before and pushed slightly too hard.”

Block’s co-driver Alex Gelsomino added: “There were 30 people with shovels who got us back on. Without those boys we wouldn’t be here so thank you very much to those spectators.”

Despite his delay, Block said he had been happy with his progress on the second day of the world championship qualifier. “I definitely feel a little better today but it’s still very tough. I’m struggling with find the balance of what grip is and what is oversteer. But I’m feeling it a little bit better.”