Peugeot pulls plug on Le Mansposted in LMANS18 | 01 | 2012

PEUGEOT HAS STUNNED the motorsport world by ending, with immediate effect, it's involvement in endurance sportscar racing.

The French manufacturer, which won the Le Mans 24-Hours in 2009 and which has been Audi's main rival in sportscars, blames the global economy for the decision.

"This decision has been taken in the context of a difficult economic environment in Europe," Peugeot said in a statement. "Peugeot has chosen to concentrate resources on its sales performance in 2012."

Scot Allan McNish survives Le Mans horror smash

The decision means Peugeot will not field its diesel-powerd 908 prototype in this year's Le Mans. Nor will it contest the inaugural the World Endurance Championship.

The timing of the announcement coincides with falling car sales for Peugeot around the world, and specifically in Europe.

Scotcars founder scoops Peugeot Motorsport Award

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars

Jim McGill