American rally and stunt driver Ken Block has signed a deal to contest selected rounds of the World Rally Championship this year.
Block has previously contested the American Rally Championship and selected WRC rounds in a production spec Subaru Impreza, but will use a Ford Focus WRC this season.
Announcing the deal, which is backed by energy drinks giant Monster Energy, Block warned that it would take him time to get up to speed.
"Racing in the World Rally Championship has always been a dream of mine but I'd still be dreaming if I promised podiums in the near future," said Block.
"I will be going head to head with the greatest drivers on the planet. And sure, I will be giving it my all, but my main objective for 2010 is to develop into a competitive driver for 2011 and beyond."
Cumbrian firm M-Sport, which runs the works Ford team in the WRC, will prepare the Focus for Block.
Former factory Subaru driver Chris Atkinson had been expected to join Block in a two-car Monster Ford team this season, but there has been no announcement about the Australian's plans yet.
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