The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has noted Automobiles Peugeot’s decision to shut down its endurance racing programme. As creator and organizer of the Le Mans 24 Hours and promoter of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the ACO deeply regrets this decision. Peugeot has officially announced that it is stopping its race programme after five years competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours, crowned with victory in 2009, and two Intercontinental Le Mans Cup titles.

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest deeply regrets the departure of the French manufacturer just at the moment when, with the creation of the new FIA World Endurance Championship, the future of endurance racing looks more prestigious than ever.

Despite this, the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours and the FIA World Endurance Championship have attracted star-studded fields. Today, Wednesday 18th January, is the closing date for entries for the two competitions. A host of entries, including those from numerous major manufacturers faithful to Le Mans, has been sent in, proof of the growing dynamism of endurance racing.

The list of entries for the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours and the FIA World Endurance Championship will be announced on 2nd February.

Jean-Claude Plassart, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “It’s a big disappointment for the Le Mans 24 Hours, and for the FIA World Endurance Championship starting in 2012, which was created at the request of the manufacturers, in particular Peugeot. There’s no doubt that the hundreds of thousands of fans who flock to Le Mans every year and the millions of viewers who follow the race on TV will regret the French make’s absence.”