As one of the best-known and most beloved race car drivers in the world, Ken Block has special access that your average citizen isn’t allowed. That is why San Francisco shut down whole streets for the four days of filming for Gymkhana 5, which is already a certifiable hit with almost 15 million views in just 5 days.

But we were wondering; how does Block and his crew decide what they’re going to do, and where? Well Ford revealed the dirty little secret in a press release promoting the 2013 Focus ST. According to Ford, Block used the Focus ST to scout different locations within San Francisco for Gymkhana 5…and not surprisingly, Block loved the hot hatchback.

“The Focus ST was a lot of fun to rip around San Francisco in, especially with all of the torque on those hills. It’s nice to finally be able to drive the same hot-tuned Fords that Europe always gets, here in America,” said Block. That’s not surprising, given the iconic landscape and famous hilly roads that San Francisco is so well known for.

For those of you wishing to see Block put the Focus ST through its paces, worry not; at the end of Gymkhana 5, through the credits Block can briefly hooning in the Focus ST. That leads us to believe/hope that somewhere out there is video of Block getting all kinds of crazy in the Focus ST. Perhaps he is saving it for when he releases a special “behind the scenes” look at what it took to bring Gymkhana 5 together this August.

Official Release

• Ford Focus ST helps Ken Block bring Gymkhana FIVE to Life
•  Ken Block and DC Shoes Gymkhana FIVE released Monday, July 9, 2012 with over nine million views in two days
• Ford Focus ST was extensively utilized in the advance scouting of Gymkhana FIVE
• Ken Block, DC Shoes and Ford will provide Gymkhana fans a first-ever look at what it took to bring Gymkhana FIVE to life in a special behind the scenes edit in late August

DEARBORN, Mich. – July 11 – Ken Block debuted Gymkhana FIVE to over nine million viewers in just the first two days, thrilling fans with the fifth installment of the award-winning viral video franchise. The impressive landscape, iconic landmarks, and a classic appearance by Travis Pastrana provided Block the chance to do only the unthinkable and shocking.

“The goal is to always make the next one better, which is tough, because every time I finish one of these I think it’s the best one yet,” said Block.

“When we found out that San Francisco was actually available as a location, that’s when the gears started turning about what we could do, how we could utilize the unique terrain within the city. Once I knew I’d be able to jump streets I was able to envision certain tricks, like the jump drift.”

Before Block filmed the epic routes highlighted in Gymkhana FIVE: Ultimate Urban Playground;San Francisco in his Ford Fiesta (H.F.H.V), he utilized the Focus ST, Ford’s first true global performance car, on a scouting trip through San Francisco to plan the masterpiece. In true form, the 252-horsepower (Europe 250 PS) Focus ST was used as Block’s everyday solution for Gymkhana. The Focus ST was aggressively driven on the scout, and it was confronted with overwhelmingly steep streets, hairpin turns and the occasional trolley, which Block executed with unique flair.

“The Focus ST was a lot of fun to rip around San Francisco in, especially with all of the torque on those hills. It’s nice to finally be able to drive the same hot-tuned Fords that Europe always gets, here in America,” said Block.

“The handling’s good in the ST, it’s definitely a fun, quick car that enjoys being driven hard. I’m actually eagerly awaiting mine to be delivered later this year.”

Block can be seen putting the Focus ST through its paces in the ever-engaging credits at the end of the video. The integration stems from a partnership with DC Shoes, Block’s passion for performance and his connection with a generation of enthusiasts who appreciate what cars like the Focus ST have to offer.

“I think it’s great that Ford is finally bringing this product over here to the American consumer. There’s always been a demand for this sort of car from the enthusiasts here and I think they’re going to embrace it once it’s available at the dealership.”

Ford’s partnership with Block has rapidly expanded into additional integration plans with the launch of Focus ST in the states.

“I’m actually working on a top-secret project with both Ford and one of the top names in small car tuning here in the States,” he said. “I can’t tell you much more than that right now though!”

A first-ever look at what it took to bring Gymkhana FIVE to life in a special behind-the-scenes edit is expected to be released in late August.

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About Ford Focus ST

The all-new Ford Focus ST brings the Sport Technologies badge to customers worldwide for the first time, offering that blend of refinement and performance for which ST is renowned. Focus ST will be available in more than 40 markets including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and 15 countries in Europe. The Ford Global Performance Vehicles group – a partnership between Europe’s Team RS and North America’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) – is responsible for the engineering of the Focus ST

About Ford Racing – North America

Ford Racing – North America, based in Dearborn, Mich., is responsible for major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Trucks), Grand American sports car racing, NHRA drag racing. In addition, Ford’s action motorsport programs involve Global RallyCross, Formula Drift, RallyCar and Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. The department also oversees the development and marketing of Ford Racing Engines and Performance Parts, the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts, and the marketing of the Ford Racing brand through initiatives such as Team Ford Racing. For more information regarding Ford Racing’s activities, please visit www.fordracing.com.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.