Grapevine: Ford WRC stars in Battersea demo
Ford drivers Mikko Hirvonen and Ken Block were in London today, demonstrating the Fiesta RS WRC at Battersea Power Station as part of the Dirt3 computer game launch
The disused River Thames-side facility features as a level in the Gymkhana section of the game and the drivers recreated Block's gymkhana style with donuts and plenty of sliding as World Rally Cars were driven in the heart of England's capital city for the first time.
Block reverted to his Ford Focus RS WRC as his Fiesta was still being rebuilt after his Rally of Portugal accident. Hirvonen, however, was using the latest specification Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team Fiesta.
"This is a great place!" said Block. "And it's not raining. Are you sure we're in England! Battersea is great for this kind of event - we're doing just what you can do in the game here, which is a lot of fun."
Hirvonen was equally happy on the handbrake, adding: "You never mind coming and driving like this, it's always enjoyable - and there are quite a few people out watching as well. We could have done with a slightly different rear diff to make the car more sideways, but I'm sure we can overcome that problem!"
The Finn added that he was also a big Dirt3 fan, saying: "It's a great game, it's amazing how far these things go now. I'm really impressed with what I've seen, but I'm always driving a Fiesta when I play."
Mini driver Kris Meeke was also at the event as he features as one of the participants in the game.
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