The FIA is modifying the endurance world championship regulations, giving more opportunities to Toyota

I wonder how much the entry into a category of a manufacturer of the stature of Toyota and the exit of another manufacturer such as Peugeot can influence things. Is it enough to bring about a change in the regulations and in the way points will be awarded for the manufacturers’ championship? The truth is that in the last few hours new rules have been announced for the awarding of points, ahead of the manufacturers’ championship in LMP1.

The modification provides that, for the purposes of the title fight, only the best position obtained in LMP1 will score points for the manufacturers’ championship, while only the six best final positions will count in the final points tally. The 24 Hours of Le Mans will carry double points.

According to the CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship, Gerard Neveu:

The changes were requested following the withdrawal of Peugeot from the FIA World Endurance Championship last month, and all the parties involved have agreed. The modification will allow Toyota, which has postponed its participation in the championship until the second race at Spa, to fight for the title with Audi. These changes to the regulations will make the 2012 championship more exciting for teams and spectators.

For the rest of the categories within the endurance world championship, LMP2, GTE-Pro and GTE-Am, there will be no changes to the points allocation for the manufacturers’ championship in that category.

I very much fear this is a velvet-glove slap for Audi, although, as was to be expected, the brand with the rings has accepted the challenge.