FIA observer to attend 2000 Le Mans

Following an investigation into several incidents which occurred during the 1999 race, the FIA released a statement saying: 'In view of doubts over the circumstances surrounding various incidents during the 1999 event, the World Motor Sport Council decided that an FIA observer will be appointed to this event.'

The FIA attributed its decision to three specific incidents.

Firstly, the decision by organisers to allow Mercedes to run three cars after Mark Webber flipped his racecar twice in practice.

Secondly, the arrival of intervention cars to the scene of Peter Dumbreck's crash during the race - which it said was 'seriously delayed by faults in communication'.

Lastly, it questioned the way officials removed Martin Brundle's stricken Toyota from the track during the night with the 'maximum speed in the proceding sector being over 200kph'.

The organisation also made rule changes within other category run by the FIA.

In Formula 1, a speed limit of 60kph in practice [80kph] and 80kph instead of [120kph] during the warm up will be enforced in the pitlane at all events - except Monaco, where the limit will be 60kph throughout the event.

In addition, F1 teams will no longer be allowed to test between the last race of the season - usually late October - and December 31.

All engines must have a minimum of 10 cylinders until the expiry of the current Concorde Agreement on December 31 2007.

In the World Rally Championship, the FIA has stated that the presence of either a first or second 'priority' driver is prohibited from any special stage before the rally - and will be considered reconnaissance.

This comes after Peugeot driver Francois Delecour was penalised for riding a bike along one of the stages during last year's San Remo Rally.

Manufacturers will be allowed to use two tyre patterns for rallies on gravel and the Swedish Rally.

In Group N, cars will not be restricted to using air inside tyres - which will make tyre mousse unavailable to them.