Peugeot withdrawal leads to WEC rule tweaks

The FIA has announced a change to the LMP1 regulations in the new World Endurance Championship following Peugeot's decision to end its programme with the 908.

The change will see only the highest finishing car in LMP1 score points for the manufacturers' title with teams only able to count their six best scores out of the eight races. Points scored in the Le Mans 24 Hours must be included in the total.

The announcement means that Toyota will now be able to take the fight to Audi in the title race, despite the fact that the new TS101 Hybrid car isn't set to appear in the series until the second round of the year at Spa.

"The changes were requested following the withdrawal of Peugeot from the FIA World Endurance Championship last month and were agreed by all parties," FIA WEC CEO Gerard Neveu said. "The changes will allow Toyota, who have brought forward their participation in the championship to round two in Spa, to fight with Audi for the inaugural World Endurance Championship Manufacturer's title.

"These changes to the regulations will certainly make the 2012 season more exciting for both teams and spectators alike."

The changes have been agreed by the FIA Endurance Commission and ratified by the FIA World Council, although the regulations regarding the FIA World Endurance Driver's Championship and the other titles remain unchanged.