The opening two rounds of the 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship, the 8 Hours of Portimao and Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, will be held behind closed doors as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
A statement from WEC read: “Following guidance from the public health and safety authorities and given the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the WEC and local organisers in the two countries have decided that both events will go ahead without spectators. The decision was also made in accordance with the ACO and the FIA.”
It marks the second year in a row that the six-hour enduro at Spa-Francorchamps will be held without fans in attendance, while Portimao joins the series calendar for the first time.
“Given the ongoing constraints of COVID-19 and following local advice in both Portugal and in Belgium, we have decided to hold our first two races of the season behind closed doors,” WEC CEO Frédéric Lequien said. “Unfortunately, there are too many concerns that remain over public health and safety.
“We would like to thank everyone for their unwavering support and we will endeavour to deliver sportscar action to the homes of our fans by our various broadcast deals, the official FIA WEC app and via our social media channels.”
