Ken Block to campaign a Ford Focus next season in WRC

Ken Block has forsaken Subaru and will campaign a Ford Focus next season in the World Rally Championship and a Fiesta in Rally America and the X Games.

This is an impressive addition for Ford's rallying efforts internationally. The Blue Oval has won three WRC titles, but an American has never run a full season in the grueling series.

Enter Block, the cofounder of DC Shoes, who is a three-time medalist in the X Games and who was the 2005 Rally America Rookie of the Year.

The moves comes as Ford prepares to launch the 2011 Fiesta and the 2012 Focus, and Block is sure to drum up publicity for the performance potential of the small cars.

He's been successful at that so far, as his gymkhana videos have become YouTube icons.

Block said 2010 will be a "developmental year" for him, and he is optimistic that he can be more competitive in the following seasons after developing his skills.

“I am stoked to be rallying in a Ford. They are an impressive force in the sport,” Block said. “From the days of the 1970s Escorts to the Group B RS200 to the modern-day Focus and now the Fiesta, Ford just does an excellent job at rally, and I couldn't be happier to now be part of this amazing heritage. Not to mention my dad would be proud. He was a dedicated Ford guy.”

A Subaru spokesman said the company was grateful for his efforts.

"We thank him for his time with us and wish him well," spokesman Michael McHale said. "He's a good guy--did well for us."

Roger Hart contributed to this report.

By Greg Migliore