Lia Block Switches to Hyundai i20 N Rally2, Sets Sights on WRC

The 19-year-old rally driver is dedicating herself to the loose-surface discipline after a stint in F1 Academy.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Lia Block, the 19-year-old rally driver, has announced a joint motorsport venture with Hyundai. She will compete in the full 2026 American Rally Association calendar, driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 car. This move cements Block's status in the sport and marks Hyundai's formal entrance into U.S. rally. After a two-year stint in F1 Academy, Block is now focused on rally, aiming to win the ARA championship and eventually make the move to the World Rally Championship.

Why it matters

Lia Block's switch to Hyundai and the i20 N Rally2 car is significant for her career, as it provides her with a factory-supported vehicle to compete for the ARA championship. This also adds another major manufacturer to the ARA grid, further growing OEM support for stateside rally. With Subaru not running its Open Class car this year and Toyota debuting its GR Corolla RC2, the RC2 class is set to be the top class, allowing more accessibility for competitors to challenge for the top spot.

The details

Block will be joined by co-driver Alex Gelsomino, who was also a long-time co-driver for her father, rally legend Ken Block. After taking the Open 2-Wheel-Drive crown in the 2023 ARA series behind the wheel of a Subaru BRZ, Block is now hot on the rally trail in 2026, narrowly missing the podium at Sno* Drift in February. By driving a factory-supported Hyundai vehicle, Block not only has a better chance at taking the ARA crown, but also can prove herself to a manufacturer actively engaged in the World Rally Championship, which is her ultimate goal.

  • On Monday, Block and Hyundai announced their joint motorsport venture.
  • Block previously enjoyed a two-year stint at F1 Academy, racing Formula 4 from 2024 to 2025.
  • Block took the Open 2-Wheel-Drive crown in the 2023 American Rally Association series.
  • Block narrowly missed the podium at Sno* Drift in February 2026.

The players

Lia Block

A 19-year-old rally driver who has just committed her foreseeable motorsport future to the rally discipline.

Alex Gelsomino

Lia Block's co-driver, who was also a long-time co-driver for her father, rally legend Ken Block.

Ken Block

Lia Block's father, a rally legend who competed in the World Rally Championship from 2010 to 2014.

Hyundai

A South Korean automotive manufacturer that has announced a joint motorsport venture with Lia Block, committing to the full 2026 American Rally Association calendar.

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What they’re saying

“It's a big change, and we're obviously looking to go for the championship this year. It's a different way of driving: speeds get higher, and everything has to be done quicker.”

— Lia Block (Road & Track)

“Honestly, I think it's great that Subaru isn't running their Open Class car this year, because it really allows for others to come and compete at the top. Normally, it wouldn't be able to happen. The RC2 class looks like it is going to be the top class this year, which is amazing, and I think we need that accessibility for everyone to come in and compete, and there is not that unattainable position at the top.”

— Lia Block (Road & Track)

“I want to go to the top. I want to be in WRC in the next couple of years. This is the first step.”

— Lia Block (Road & Track)

What’s next

Lia Block's focus this season is to win the ARA championship, paving the way for her desired move to the World Rally Championship.

The takeaway

Lia Block's switch to Hyundai and the i20 N Rally2 car represents a significant step in her rally career, as she aims to win the ARA championship and eventually compete in the World Rally Championship, following in the footsteps of her father, rally legend Ken Block.