DEARBORN -- The all-new Ford Fiesta is fun to drive, but for Monster World Rally Team driver Ken Block, fun takes on a different meaning.

When you spend your time dreaming up ways to push your rally car to new limits and create stunts that will create the next “must see” YouTube video, fun is a mixture of horsepower, race fuel and adrenaline. This weekend, Block and his newly formed Monster World Rally Team will debut their Ford Fiesta Rally America program at Sno*Drift in Atlanta, Mich. as they demonstrate their definition of fun. 

Block and the Monster World Rally Team will campaign seven rally events in North America in 2010 for Ford, including the Summer X Games in August. Block will pilot a 2011 Ford Fiesta based on the race-winning European Rallycross Fiesta prepared by Olsbergs Motorsports Evolution.

“I am very excited to finally be in the Fiesta,” said Block. “The Fiesta is the car that beat me last summer at X Games.  Ford has a great platform with the Fiesta, and I can’t wait to see what I can do in the Rally America championship and at the X Games later this year.”

Fiesta’s North American racing debut came at the 2009 Summer X Games where it took the Gold in rally competition.  Block's 2.0-liter turbocharged Fiesta, modified to the Open Class specification for Rally America, is capable of producing over 490 hp at 8,000 rpm, but due to a required turbo-inlet restrictor by the series, the Fiesta will be running in the range of 330 hp.

Block, who will be co-driven by Italian Alessandro Gelsomino, will tackle all six rounds of the Rally America series in his Fiesta, which will be backed by Monster Energy Drink and Ford.  His North American program will culminate at X Games 16 in Los Angeles in early August.

“Ford has a long, winning tradition in European rally and with Ken Block and Fiesta, we’re bringing that to North America for fans to experience first hand,”  said Jamie Alison, director, Ford North American Motorsports.  “There will be a little bit of rally in every Fiesta.  It’s the right form of motorsports to showcase the driving dynamics of Fiesta.” Allison continued, "What people need to remember, as Ken races down the course this weekend, his car started off as a production vehicle.  It is a true testament to the capability built into every Ford Fiesta.” 

For the complete Ken Block schedule and to see Block in his 2011 Ford Fiesta, please visit www.fordracing.com and monsterworldrallyteam.com.

Monster World Rally Team Ford Fiesta
As campaigned in the Rally America Series

Technical Data:
2.0-liter I-4 engine, mounted longitudinally, with Garrett turbocharger
Horsepower: Capable of 493 hp @ 8,000 rpm but Rally America required turbo-inlet restrictor will limit the engine to 330 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 553 lb.-ft. @ 6,000 rpm
Maktrak/Olsbergs MSE 6-speed sequential transmission
Driveline: 4wd with front, center and rear mechanical differentials
15-inch Speedline magnesium wheels with Pirelli gravel-spec tires
Front suspension: modified MacPherson strut
Rear suspension: double wishbones
Alcon 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-piston front and rear calipers
Steering: rack and pinion, 1.5 turns lock-to-lock
Body design by Olsbergs MSE: stock steel roof and doors; other panels are Kevlar and carbon fiber
Integrated rear wing and front spoiler
Vehicle weight: 2,900 lb.
Acceleration: 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds
Top speed: 155 mph