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A plan for the World Endurance Championship to climax with a true enduro longer than six hours is under investigation for the 2018 season.

The idea is part of a wide-ranging study into the format of the championship, which also includes a proposal for the introduction of a qualifying race for the GTE classes in 2018.

WEC boss Gerard Neveu said: "We are having informal discussions and doing some simulations about various things.

"We are investigating doing a longer final race, or to do a shorter race somewhere.

"There are many different opportunities and possibilities, but we are not saying we will do it like this next year."

The allocation of points for a longer season finale is part of the study, according to Neveu.

Regular WEC rounds, aside from the double-points Le Mans 24 Hours, have been of six hours' duration since the rebirth of the series in 2012, with the exception of the Sebring 12 Hours in the inaugural season.

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The WEC's sporting working group is known to have discussed a number of ideas aimed at ensuring the battle for the championship in the various classes stays open to the end of the season.

Expanding or contracting the championship is also on the agenda, Neveu explained.

"Do we continue with nine races or do we go to eight races or do we go to 10 races? There are so many different options," he said.

Contracts with a number of the existing WEC venues are up for renewal after this season, including the British round at Silverstone and the curtain-closer in Bahrain.

Neveu stressed that "there would not be a revolution next year".

"We want an evolution and the idea is to provide the best regulations and the best calendar, while keeping the spirit of the championship," he said.