Davidson says Peugeot exit a big blow for World Endurance Championship

Peugeot announced on Wednesday that it was cancelling its endurance prototype programme with immediate effect - on the same day as the entry deadline for the new WEC.

Prototype sportscar racing was granted world status for by the FIA World Council last autumn after a 20-year hiatus, and had been expected to become a huge battle for global title honours between turbo-diesel LMP1 manufacturer teams from Audi and Peugeot.

The 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours is also to be the scene of Toyota's return in factory guise with a hybrid prototype coupe.

"It was such a disappointment to hear the news today," Davidson told AUTOSPORT. "I'm devastated for the Peugeot team and everybody that has worked so hard over the last two years."

The Briton, who scored three victories for Peugeot in 2011 and took more pole positions (three) than any other driver in the team last year, added: "It's a real blow for the World Endurance Championship and the fans who were looking forward to another tremendous battle between three manufacturers."

AUTOSPORT understands that the current Euro-zone crisis was a key factor in Peugeot's decision, with France having recently also suffered a credit rating downgrade.

PSA - Peugeot's parent company - also announced last week that it suffered a 6.1 per cent decline in sales over the past year in Europe and expected that trend to continue this year.

Peugeot's Sport department has not been closed as part of today's announced changes - which according to the company have been made to ensure the successful launch of its new 208 and hybrid road car ranges - and it is understood that the door has been left open to future racing programmes should funds once again become available in 2013.