When I heard the news early this morning (I mean like in the wee hours of the morning) I couldn’t believe it.

I immediately contacted Jeremy from DC and he confirmed it.

Ken Block X Monster World Rally Team X Ford.

The immediate words that came to my mind were shock/horror then closely followed by disappointment/sadness.

In hindsight, I should have seen this coming after the video of Ken fooling around in an old school Ford Escort MKII with professional rally driver Chris Atkinson months ago.

I had actually been quietly drumming “what if?” scenarios in my head over the past few months – “What if Ken Block went for the WRC? Who would he drive for?” “What if Ken Block made a move to IRC? Is that why Subaru hasn’t announced their driver line-up for 2010 yet?” … So many “what if’s”

From a professional race car driver’s perspective it’s awesome news. And for me, as someone who respects people who are talented enough to compete at the highest level of motorsport in the world I’m happy that Ken Block is able to make the switch to WRC, where speeds are much higher and the cars are faster than in Rally America.

From a fanboy’s point of view however, I am gutted.

Ken Block in a Subaru is like Michael Schumacher in a Ferrari. Or Mika Hakkinen in a McLaren. Or Colin McRae in a Subaru. Or Tommi Makkinen in a Mistubishi. Put any of them anywhere else and no matter what the PR & marketing people tell you – something is wrong and feels against the law of nature.

As if that was not gut wrenching enough for Ken Block X Subaru fans here’s the extra nail in the coffin – Gymkhana Three, third in the series of videos which turned Ken Block into an international sensation, will be released this summer and feature him driving a Ford Fiesta gymkhana car that is currently being developed.

And to think I used to laugh at people driving Fiestas when I was studying in Melbourne.

Oh well.

Here’s the official press release from DC:

January 6, 2010—(VISTA, CA)— DC is proud to announce its 2010 sponsorship of the newly formed Monster World Rally Team (MWRT) headed by DC Co-Founder and Rally Car athlete, Ken Block. DC has sponsored Ken and its team of rally athletes for four years and is committed to expanding its global programs through the DC family of elite athletes. As part of the partnership, DC will produce apparel, footwear and accessories for the newly formed rally team and consumers worldwide.

“DC is proud to support Ken’s new venture into the World Rally Championship (WRC) series with his new rally team,” said DC President Anton Nistl. “Whether serving as DC’s Chief Brand Officer, creating viral videos such as the Gymkhana series, or racing rally, Ken continues to exceed expectations and we’re sure that this new endeavor with the MWRT will be no different.”

DC will continue to create its exclusive rally products for Ken, team and crew throughout the 2010 season. Fans can look forward to an extended line of MWRT products that will be available globally through DC’s retail partners.

“I’m excited that DC is joining me on this new part of my career,” said Ken Block. “DC has supported my rally racing career from the beginning and they have developed a great rally program that will continue to grow with their support of the new Monster World Rally Team.”

Ken will compete in select races during the 2010 WRC series as well as the entire Rally America season and the Summer X Games 16. Ken will be the first American driver to campaign the WRC as part of a multi-year program. As part of his new team, Ken will drive for new auto partner, Ford Motor Company and will continue to race in the Rally America Series while competing in the WRC series.

Ken’s first race with Ford will be on January 29th and 30th at the Sno* Drift Rally in Atlanta, MI. His first race in the WRC series will be in Mexico on March 5th, 2010.

For more information on DC, Ken Block and the new MWRT team click HERE.

Posted on January 7th, 2010 by BadBoyBen
Filed under: Bad News, Cars