There will be greater prize money on offer for the Independent drivers in this year's World Touring Car Championship, but contenders will again have to face reigning champion Stefano d'Aste after the Italian was permitted to defend his title.

The prize purse for drivers entered in the Yokohama Independents' Trophy has been raised to E384,000 for 2008, with E32,000 on offer to the top six finishers at each of the season's twelve race meetings, ranging from E12,000 for the winner to E2000 for sixth place. The point system will remain the same as in the main competition, but double points will be awarded in the two races making up the final meeting in Macau.

Due to the narrow two-point gap that separated d'Aste from his rivals in winning the 2007 title, the Italian has been allowed to compete again in 2008, but he will have to start with a two-point handicap at the first meeting.