Ford Performance, Ken Block, Hoonigan Racing leaving FIA World Rallycross Championship

Ford Performance, Ken Block and Hoonigan Racing Division are leaving the FIA World Rallycross Championship, effective at the end of the 2017 season. Driver Ken Block’s relationship with Ford and Ford Performance will continue as it has since 2010, with Block competing in various motorsport and Gymkhana events around the world.

Block will also continue to produce his award-winning Gymkhana videos, as well as additional digital content, as he continues to act as a global ambassador for the Ford brand.

“Although we have thoroughly enjoyed competing in the exciting FIA World Rallycross Championship, it’s a natural time for us to take a break as the future of the series takes shape,” said Dave Pericak, global director of Ford Performance. “To continue in WRX would have required the development of a new race car, and with so much discussion happening around the future of rallycross from a powertrain package standpoint, it made sense for us to pause until it’s better defined. Rest assured, we remain absolutely committed to hot hatches and all things performance and think rallycross has a bright future.”

“Both myself and Ford Performance have learned a lot from this program,” said Block. “While we both would like to continue with the effort, it simply doesn’t add up at this point. Aspects of the sport are up in the air for the future, so putting a lot more money into developing a new race car to try to battle for the championship title just doesn’t make sense right now. It’s certainly disappointing, but that’s how the economics of motorsports go sometimes.”

“As for Andreas (Bakkerud), he put in a tremendous effort to try and bring home a title with us. He’s one of the most talented drivers I’ve ever worked with, and I’m honored to have been able to have him as my teammate. I’m fully confident that he’s going to be snatched up by one of the other teams in the World RX paddock as soon as the news gets out that he’s available for the 2018 season — and I’m looking forward to shipping him a bottle of champagne when he finally brings home a championship for himself.”

“Andreas is absolutely a talented driver and a class act in the paddock,” said Pericak. “Though we will not be supporting his program next year, we wish the best for him. The team that picks him up will be lucky to have him.”

The news comes after nearly two seasons with Block and Bakkerud driving the Focus RS RX in the FIA World Rallycross Championship.

“Both Ford and my entire Hoonigan Racing Division team put in a tremendous effort, and I want to them thank them for the hard-fought battles these last two seasons. I truly appreciate it,” said Block.

The Hoonigan Racing Division Focus RS RX race cars will be used for displays and demos, but they will not be made available for sale based on pre-existing agreements with Ford Performance.