American rally star Ken Block and co-driver Alessandro Gelsomino made their debut in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2010 as part of the newly formed Monster World Rally Team.

Block is a seasoned competitor in the Rally America national series and had tackled a handful of WRC rallies in the Group N class prior to 2010. He is however best known around the globe for his wildly successful viral internet videos featuring his stunt driving expertise in a modified Fiesta rally car.

His move to the WRC is a historic one and makes him the first American to enter the WRC as part of a multi-year programme.

“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,” said Block. “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 was to develop into a competitive driver for 2011 and beyond.”

In addition to his WRC programme, Block continues to compete in the Rally America series, as well as in X Games XVI. “I am stoked to be rallying in a Ford,” said Block. “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.”

The Monster World Rally Team developed as a result of Ken Block’s existing relationship with the energy drink company. “A radically extreme form of motorsport with supremely talented drivers who compete on gravel, asphalt, snow and ice really mirrors everything we are about,” explained Monster Energy President Mark Hall.

The skateboard footwear company Block co-founded, DC Shoes, will also support the team, along with the video game title, Dirt2, in which Block had a starring role.

In 2010, Monster World Rally Team contested seven WRC events in the award-winning Ford Focus RS WRC – Rally Mexico, Rally Turkey, Rally Portugal, Rallye Deutschland, Rallye de France, Rally de Espana and Wales Rally GB.  The team’s best result was ninth overall at Rally de Espana.

In 2011, Block and Gelsomino return to the WRC to contest their second consecutive programme – this year behind the wheel of the all-new Ford Fiesta RS WRC.