An ice track in spectacular Zell am See in Austria and a selection of Audi race cars, both past and present – absolute heaven for a rally driver like Ken Block. The American driver was a guest of Audi Sport for the GP Ice Race event this year which saw Audi Tradition treasures like the Audi quattro A2 Group B rally car, (from the 1983 Rally Finland), a DKW F 91 and a DKW Hartmann Formula V lined up on the ice to sample along side the Audi RS Q e-tron race car fresh from its inaugural campaign in the Dakar Rally.

With Audi Sport driver Mattias Ekström giving Block a rundown on the finer points of the RS Q e-tron, it was a rare opportunity for the stunt and rally ace to sample the RS Q e-tron in its first appearance since winning four Dakar stages on debit and finishing ninth overall.

For Block, the weekend trip to Austria was like a visit to automotive paradise. “The laps in the Audi RS Q e-tron were a phenomenal experience – even though the car probably feels more comfortable in the desert than in the snow,” said Block. “Thanks to Mattias Ekström, who patiently explained all the special features of his car to me. A few minutes behind the wheel was enough to understand the fascination of this car.”

Not surprisingly, Block was a fast study on the ice, getting a feel for the RS Q e-tron in short-order time and demonstrating why he is one of the most exciting drivers on the planet. 

“It only took three turns for Ken to get fully up to speed,” Ekström said of Block’s ability behind the wheel.

In addition to testing the Audi RS Q e-tron, Ken Block also took a little trip down memory lane and drifted around the circuit in the Audi quattro A2. For the American, who was inspired by Audi rally cars as a teenager, this was a personal highlight. 

“An insane moment that I won’t forget in a hurry,” an ecstatic Block beamed after sliding the rally classic around the course.

For fans of Audi and Ken Block, this is just a taste of what is to come in the collaboration between the two. Driving the all-electric Audi S1 e-tron quattro Hoonitron – developed by Audi as a one-off exclusively for Ken Block – the Hoonigan team is producing a video entitled Electrikhana that will be released in the next few months and will be the latest chapter of their ‘Gymkhana’ series.