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Fernando Alonso's Toyota has been promoted to pole position for the FIA World Endurance Championship season opener at Spa after the sister car was excluded from qualifying.

Mike Conway and Kamui Kobayashi had set the fastest average time in the #7 TS0S0 in qualifying on Friday, 0.379s ahead of McLaren Formula 1 racer Alonso and his crew-mate Kazuki Nakajima in the #8 machine.

But the #7 car has subsequently had its times deleted due to an "incorrect declaration of fuel flow meter", according to a stewards' bulletin.

The exclusion is for administrative not technical reasons.

The #7 car will start from the pitlane and won't be permitted to enter the race until the last car completes the opening lap.

Toyota issued a statement explaining that: "An incorrect identification number for the car's fuel flow meter was declared for the #7 prior to qualifying.

"This subsequently emerged during post-qualifying scrutineering.

"As a result, the car will start from the pit lane, one lap behind the field.

"The team accepts full responsibility for the error, which had no impact whatsoever on car performance.

"The fuel flow meter which was used in the #7 was fully homologated and calibrated.

"Team processes and procedures will be strengthened immediately to avoid any repeat of this unfortunate error."

The car Alonso shares with Nakajima and Sebastien Buemi will start ahead of the two Rebellion Racing privateer LMP1s.