Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Wilson : Block and Räikkönen are great for the WRC


Ford team principal Malcolm Wilson says the World Rally Championship can learn lessons from the way Ken Block’s Monster team promotes itself.

Wilson has been working with the American in his first season at the highest level and he says he’s been impressed with Block’s commitment on and off the stages.

“I definitely think there are lessons to be learned from Ken and the way he and Monster approach everything,” said Wilson. “Look at the promotion, it’s just incredible. In France, there were thousands of people in the service park and the ones we had standing in front of our service area were all shouting for Ken, it was amazing.

“How many hits has he had for his latest Gymkhana video? It’s around 15 million or something like that, that’s incredible. He’s not known as a rally driver, he’s a gymkhana driver – but look at the good it’s doing for the WRC.”

Wilson added that he could see similar value in what Block’s energy drink WRC rival Kimi Räikkönen was doing for the sport.

“Some people have said they can’t see the value in what Kimi is doing,” said Wilson. “Well, for me, he’s brought great value in the WRC. Having him in the sport has raised the profile, created a stir and a story this season. Okay, he’s still learning, but there’s a heck of a lot more to come from him – and he’s still Kimi Räikkönen.”

Source: MaxRally

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