FIA withdraw #43 in honour of Ken Block

Ken Block’s family and friends gathered to celebrate the American rally legend’s life in Park City, Utah earlier this week as FIA paid tribute to the rally legend by withdrawing the number 43. 

Block who was best known for his viral video manoeuvres behind the wheel, his larger-than-life personality, along with his professional Rally prowess, passed away this week in a snowmobile accident at the age of 55.

The American was a fan-favourite, an idol to many and a beloved member of the rallying family.

Number 43 was synonymous with Block’s brand and one which he carried on most of the cars he drove - from the very beginning of his career.

In honour of his memory, the WRC family in collaboration with the FIA has decided to retire the number for the 2023 season. 

Former Mitsubishi WRC team manager Derek Dauncey was among those paying tribute to the man he mentored for 16 years in the sport, including two seasons of WRC action in 2010 and 2011.

Close to 600 people were invited to join Block’s family to remember the 55-year-old. A collection of his rally cars were lined up at the entrance to the Woodward Park City ski resort, where the memorial was held. 

"It is incredible to see so many people coming to celebrate what Ken did. He was a very special person.

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He came to the sport quite late, he’d already had a very successful life in business before he got to rallying. But when he did, he came with an absolute desire to compete. 

Ken was never about being a gentleman driver in the sport to make up the numbers. He wanted to improve, to get better and be more competitive all the time.

In the last week, it’s been amazing to read some of the tributes and the words from some of his peers from the sport. You realise again how much respect and appreciation there was for him.

He was good for the sport, he broadened the appeal of rallying and took it to a different generation. As well as being a great driver, he was a visionary and a pioneer. As well as all of that, he was my friend – he’s somebody we’re going to miss terribly," Dauncey said.