Rally star does ‘donuts’ at Goodwood House to mark release of Forza Horizon 4

Xbox has celebrated the release of Forza Horizon 4 by inviting star rally driver Ken Block to tear up the Goodwood Estate in his “Hoonicorn” V2 car.

The professional driver, who races with the Hoonigan Racing Division, unleashed his 1,400 brake horse power 1965 Ford Mustang on the manicured grounds around the famous Sussex house.

Block sped across the estate and performed “donuts” around a Second World War Spitfire aircraft.

The 50-year-old was joined by Game of Thrones actor Hafþór Björnsson, who is also holder of the World’s Strongest Man title. However, the 6ft 9in Icelander was unable to fit in Block’s car.

“It’s not every day I get to donut my Hoonicorn around a Spitfire fighter plane or tear up the sacred ground of Goodwood Estate, but for the launch of Forza Horizon 4 I got to do just that. I’m just sorry Hafþór couldn’t squeeze in for a ride,” Block said.

The rally drive came after a two-day launch of the Forza Horizon 4, which is set in the UK, at Goodwood House. Journalists were given the chance to play the game – which is released on October 2 in stores, online and on Game Pass – and experience country lane driving through Goodwood Estate and a four seasons rally through bespoke tracks inspired by Forza Horizon 4.

Forza Horizon 4 is the latest title in the popular open-world car racing franchise and the first to be set in the UK. Gamers are able to drive more than 450 vehicles from history and the present day, including Block’s Ford Mustang. A Best of Bond Car Pack adds 10 vehicles from across 50 years of the popular films, including Goldfinger, The Man With the Golden Gun, Casino Royale and Spectre.

The game also features changing seasons, forcing players to adapt their driving style if they want to succeed in on and off-road races during spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Xbox will soon unveil new leagues for players, allowing them to compete for unique rewards and prestigious “Grandmaster” titles. Route Creator, which lets players map out their own routes for others to tackle, will also be released shortly.