FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has paid tribute to American driver Ken Block who died on Monday 2 January 2023 after a snowmobile accident.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, has reacted to the news that rally driver Ken Block has died at the age of 55 following a snowmobile accident in Utah, USA, on 2 January 2023.

An all-round sportsman, from motocross to skateboarding, Ken Block mainly distinguished himself in rallying: rookie of the year in America in 2005 at the age of 37, he had taken part in and won numerous races since. An entrepreneur, Block was also a founding member of the world famous DC Shoes brand.

In 2010, he even formed his own team, the Monster World Rally Team. He became known to the general public by posting a series of Gymkhana videos on YouTube in which he performed drifting tricks with his rally cars.

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Ken Block. An inspiration for us all and a true gentleman of our sport. The @FIA’s thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. RIP @kblock43. pic.twitter.com/KUTgFtNTge

— Mohammed Ben Sulayem (@Ben_Sulayem) January 3, 2023

Ken Block versus Lewis Hamiton

In 2014, he took on Lewis Hamilton in an unprecedented duel at the World RallyCross Championship in Barbados. The British driver was at the wheel of the 2013 Mercedes Formula 1 against the American driver’s Ford Fiesta ST RallyCross car.

The FIA president said on Twitter: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Ken Block. An inspiration for us all and a true gentleman of our sport. The FIA’s thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. RIP Ken Block”