American driving sensation Ken Block has officially made the switch to Pirelli tires.  Driving for Monster World Rally Team, Block will campaign Pirelli-fitted Fords (the new Rally version of the Fiesta and rally version of the Focus RS) in the Rally America Championship (RAC), X Games and the World Rally Championship (WRC) for the 2010 season.  Block will also use Pirelli products in all of his automotive exploits for years to come.

Block’s move to Pirelli comes with his switch to an all-Ford stable of cars.  Both his new Ford Fiesta – built for the 2010 season’s RAC and X Games events – and his Ford Focus, prepared for Block’s WRC efforts this season – are outfitted exclusively with Pirelli Tires.

Pirelli participates in 20 rally championships world-wide. Block’s move to Pirelli, the WRC and the RAC for 2010 is sure to deliver more action and excitement than ever before – bringing an audience of extreme sports and driving enthusiasts into the fold, and introducing traditional rally fans to Block’s signature driving style.

Rally driving demands focus and attention to detail, and Pirelli is well-suited to support Block’s efforts as his exclusive tire supplier with several tire options that are specialized to meet the needs of the surface, weather and speed of each event.

“Rally is all about exploiting traction, making tire choice crucial,” says Ken Block. “And I am confident that the move to Pirelli is going to be a winning formula for us. Plus, I’ve always been a fan of Pirelli, not just the tires, but the brand. Everything from the iconic logo to the famous Pirelli Calendar really fits with the Monster World Rally Team look and feel.”

Beyond rallying, Block may is very well known for his popular Gymkhana series of driving videos – also viewable online – wherein he pilots his car with astonishing aplomb in, around, through, over and under just about any obstacle imaginable on a closed course.  Block’s new Monster World Rally Team cars and schedule are highlighted in an all-new Internet video released earlier this month on YouTube.com.

“We are very excited to be a part of the Ken Block experience,” said Rafael Navarro, III, Director of Motorsport and Media Relations for Pirelli Tire North America.  “Block and the Monster World Rally Team will synergize well with the Pirelli brand.  Combining Block’s talent with Pirelli’s heritage in Motorsport, car and motorcycle tires is a win, win, win for everyone involved.  We have seen what Ken can do with a car, and now we’ll be able to experience what he can do with Pirelli.”

Block and the 2010 Monster World Rally Team will be rallying this month at 100 Acre Wood, February 26^th and 27th, the second of six Rally America Championship events this season.  See schedules below for specific races:

Rally America Championship

World Rally Championship (WRC)

X Games 16