Ken Block makes rallycross return for Projekt E season opener.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World RX.

Gymkhana, Rallycross, and Rally star Ken Block will compete in the inaugural Projekt E race at the World Rallycross Championship season opener in Höljes, racing an electric Ford Fiesta. 

The American will race an all-electric STARD-built four-wheel-drive Fiesta ERX, which uses three electric motors producing 450kW (613bhp) combined power with a top speed of 240km/h. 

The STARD developed REVelution electric powertrain will be used in all cars competing in the Projekt E series. 

Block last competed in a World RX event in 2017, driving a Ford Focus RS RX with his Hoonigan Racing Division team. But, at the end of the season, the team withdrew after Ford Performance announced that they will "take a break" from the championship. 

Earlier this year, Block drove the electric Extreme E Odyssey 21 on the final stage of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, and he was quite surprised by the instant torque. Whilst he briefly experienced the power of electric machinery in the Dessert. He will make his first competitive outing in an all-electric Projekt E car in the season opener later this month. 

"I am stoked to take part in the worldwide first-ever electric rallycross race in the Projekt E series in a STARD Ford Fiesta ERX!," Ken Block said. "The car is rad and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel in Höljes."

The brand-new Fiesta ERX that Block will race has been given a special VIN, 043 in honor of Block’s debut in the car.

"We are very much looking forward to having Ken racing our Ford Fiesta ERX at Holjes," said STARD CEO and founder Michael Sakowicz. "Not just because he is one of the most famous race drivers in the world and it shows the potential of Projekt E that the class is able to attract drivers like Ken, but also because he has vast experience of motorsport and rallycross and it will be very interesting to get his feedback."

"Ken has driven and raced in all kinds of crazy cars, but I really think he will be very impressed with the Fiesta ERX."

Last year, STARD revealed the first Projekt E electric rallycross car, a Ford Fiesta which underwent a number of tests and refinements. The Fiesta ERX also became the first electric rallycross car to compete in an event. STARD entered in a round of the Hungarian Rallycross Championship with Stohl Group President, Manfred Stohl behind the wheel. History was made when Stohl claimed victory ahead of a 600-hp ICE [Internal Combustion Engine] Supercar. 

Ford Performance have announced their intentions to support the Projekt E series, whilst STARD announced earlier this week that Citroën Racing will join the series supplying C3 R5 chassis equipped with the REVelution electric powertrain kit for the all-new electric Projekt E Series. 

Written By - Junaid Samodien