.jpg?p=120522_05:21)
.jpg?p=120522_05:22)
.jpg?p=120522_05:23)
.jpg?p=120522_05:24)
.jpg?p=111221_03:51)
Ken Block is set to make his Formula One debut in August this year when he'll get the opportunity to drive Pirelli's Toyota test car. Oh dear.
Pirelli, as you're well aware, was charged with instigating much hullabaloo and many excitements as official tyre supplier. They did so by making tyres out of paper mache and Kleenex. Big box ticked there, you'd agree.
Now its giving Mr Block the chance to have a one-off spin in the 700bhp 2009 Toyota F1 car - used to test the tyres worn by Mssrs Vettel and Hamilton and co - at the famous Monza circuit in Italy on August 5.
Gallery: TopGear goes in car with Ken Block at Battersea power station
Why the ‘oh dear'? If you own an Internet or a rectangular device used to watch moving pictures, you'll be well aware of Mr Block's tempestuous on-off relationship with tyres. He doesn't like them. They don't like him. And we're not entirely sure Pirelli owns enough tyres to sate the ‘Hoonigan's' appetite for sliding.
"I can't wait to discover Formula One for myself," says our Block. "I need to be realistic about what I can do, but I know that it's going to be a lot of fun and take hooning to a whole new level." Even Pirelli admits that Ken's test of the PZero hard and medium compound have less performance than softs, but have increased durability to "gymkhana-style doughnuts". Like we said, oh dear.
Ken Block totals his WRC Fiesta: pics
Will Pirelli have enough tyres left over to supply the rest of the F1 grid? Will Ken Block ever learn to drive properly? Nobody knows. Until we find out, sit back, grab a cup of tea and a cucumber sandwich and enjoy a spot of light drifting. With an astonished James May in the passenger seat.
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
Darklords commented on this article
at 03:34 pm on 13 June 2011
Hmmmm. If he drives like in his rally car (Gymkana) the pirellis wont even last for 2 laps so he wont help a lot
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
dka799 commented on this article
at 03:40 pm on 13 June 2011
I hope that ....Block will be good F1 driver... but F1 style it's not Drift... so....
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
ActPT commented on this article
at 03:41 pm on 13 June 2011
Weeeeellll, my heart kinda...stopped when i read that! I wonder how 700 horses look like...in a wall! Even though he is pretty much dragging himself along rally stages and against stuff mostly....I like is driving style, i mean, what else do i need from a driver? Agressive style, a cool paiting on his car (for the lols) and crashes which is pretty much what everybody likes to see. Good Luck Mr. Block! Have Fun.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
billybobjoe commented on this article
at 04:45 pm on 13 June 2011
Wish him well, hope he has fun.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
mega1mega2mega3 commented on this article
at 07:38 pm on 13 June 2011
"oh dear" is right. he's an awsome stunt driver with gymkhana and all that, but due to the way that f1 cars are set up, if he tries to slide it (which i bet you he will) then he'll destroy the engine and gearbox. Not to mention the suspension is different than in his ford fiesta, so WHEN he slides it i'm sure that during the actual race, the cameras will be looking at a big dent in the tire wall and a backwards pirelli symbol in there somewhere
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.