Ken Block goes flat out in his Rally Fiesta on ice during Sno*Drift testing

In recent news as you may have heard, Ken Block and Monster Energy and switched automotive base camps by teaming up with Ford Motor Company to campaign a Ford Fiesta in the 2010 Rally America Series. The word Fiesta has always brought to my mind the beater Ford produced in the 80’s. Being a huge fan of the Ford Cosworth vehicles that were offered in Europe, its good to see Ford stepping up to the american market with a similar vehicle we could only see in magazines or on Motorsport Mundial late at night.

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“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.”

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Considering Subaru sold more cars in North America than any other manufacturer last year and Fords sudden interest in small awd turbo platforms, they may have smelled the coffee and are laying the groundwork to launch a street version of this Fiesta in the not so distant future. Hopefully they change the name before now and then…I still don’t know if  I could ever shake the troubling thoughts those 80’s beaters give me.