Block, well known in the U.S. for his antics behind the wheel of a rally-spec Subaru WRX, could help the WRC break into North America. Block, currently part of the Monster Subaru team, campaigns the WRX in the Rally America series, as the WRC has no presence on this continent.
According to Autosport, Block will partner with Chris Atkinson, a former Subaru driver, for his WRC debut. The two will most likely take turns driving and navigating for each other. The three-year deal is said to be "one of the most significant in the sport's history."
As it adjusts to the series, the new Monster team likely will compete in roughly half of the WRC events scheduled for 2010, and make a full run for the championship in 2011. WRC promoter Simon Long believes Block's foray improves WRC's chances of entering North America, and we sure hope he's right. Rallying sadly doesn't get much coverage in our corner of the world...