Block pulls out from Istanbul World Rallycross

American rallycross star Ken Block will not start this weekend's World Rallycross of Turkey due to the potential security risk in the country.

Series officials have heightened security around the event in light of recent political unrest in the country, but various team personnel were caught up in rioting in Istanbul earlier this week. Block's team has informed IMG – the series promoter – it will not be competing in Istanbul this weekend.

The British government has advised against travel to two Turkish cities on the Syrian border, but these are both a considerable distance from the circuit. There has, however, been unrest in Istanbul.

A spokesperson for the series said: "IMG has looked into the situation and we have had assurances from the local organizer, the ASN, the Governor of Istanbul and the FIA that it's safe to proceed. The unrest is localized in an area that is a considerable distance from the circuit. Under government legislation for a world event, we also have heightened security ahead of the weekend.

"Ultimately it is the FIA's decision regarding the running of the event but IMG have no safety concerns at this time and they are monitoring the process on an on-going basis."