Taniguchi_Is_#1

what makes the subaru such a great car as compared to the ford? the last time they won a world rally event was in 2005, and they only pulled out at the beginning of this year. if ken block has any sort of talent, he will do very well in WRC. otherwise, he was just a product of youtube videos and bro hype winning in a weak series with weak competition.

CONES

Exactly, he's not leaving because he doesn't like subie or something.... he wants to advance to WRC and subie no longer competes in WRC. can you blame the guy?

jdcharbo

Heres an older video of Block in an older Escort. I have to agree I think his move to WRC will definitely help bring some attention to rally driving in the states. However I also have to agree I think the european drivers are just gonna stomp on him the first few years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQgmdHzqtqA

wangan_cruiser

only fanboys think its a waste that he left subie. no offense but i think ken block wants to try out the world and see how far he can get.

ronmcdon

^^^

that is true.
Block (like anyone) has to look out for their best interests.
If it means driving for another auto manufacturer, then so be it.

The Impreza WRC probably just isn't competitive.
It's no coincidence that even Solberg switched to a Citroen when running his private team.

fckillerbee

I'm sorry...but am I the only one who thinks blocks driving is poor to mediocre? I think he should be practicing with pastrana for a bit before he thinks the wrc is ready for him. This is a great move on ford to bring more business to the u.s. but for ken.....let the learning begin!

luftrofl

Are you retarded? Ford almost won the championship last year and if Citroen didn't have Loeb, Ford would probably have even more championships.

That's what I suspect. Is there any time he's competed seriously with anyone from WRC?

__________________
Engrish is funny in Japan. In America, it's for stupid fanboys.

ronmcdon

I actually think Subaru (and affiliated sponsers) has done a whole lot more than any manufacturer to bring rally interest to the US.

They were the first to take the risk and bring over the WRX.
They promoted rally at the X-games
Before the whole the X-games thing the biggest exposure of rallying was that pikes peak event.
They do a lot of promotional events to try to get the public's interest.
It may or may not amount to much, but they make the most effort out of all other manufacturers imo.

What did Ford ever to do promote Rally in the US to date?
Apparently, they don't even think the US market is worthy of the Focus RS.

If bringing over Block to the WRC is the first step, then so be it.
I don't know about him bieng a mediocre driver,
but it's certainly going to be a far stretch for him to challenge the likes of Loeb & Solberg.
Ford must see something in Block other marketing, if they are to invest in him as a driver for their WRC campaign.