Ken Block will return to the World Rally Championship at next month’s Rally Mexico, driving his Ford Escort RS Cosworth.
The American star hasn’t been seen at the sport’s highest level since driving a Ford Fiesta WRC in Spain in 2018. Block’s plans to drive the Leon rally, which were confirmed by sources close to the event, will be unveiled at his Hoonigan Racing Division livery launch – and Burnyard Bash – in Irwindale on Saturday.
No comment on the teams’ 2020 plan was available ahead of the announcement.
Block tested his Escort Cosworth for two days in Arizona earlier this month, in conditions and on roads which would replicate next month’s stages well.
Rally Mexico is the WRC round Block knows best. He made his world championship debut on the Guanajuato stages in 2007. He and co-driver Alex Gelsomino have competed there on a further four occasions, finishing the last two in the top 10.
Block’s Escort will run with dispensation from the event organiser and the FIA – the same rules which allow non-homologated cars to start any WRC round.
Block won’t be the only star of American rallying in Mexico next month, with American Rally Association series leader, Irishman Barry McKenna bringing an R5 car to the March 12-15 event as well.
Ken Block's most recent WRC outing was in Spain in 2018 – Credit: Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool
