The Season 9 FIA WEC opener at Portimao has been postponed from its initial date on 4 April to 13 June as a response to ongoing quarantine regulations affecting both incoming teams and personnel from some countries and homebound hotel quarantine for UK team members.
That leaves the WEC with a further revised calendar (following on for yesterday’s announced change to the dates for the 20-21 Le Mans 24 Hours) that now has the season starting behind closed doors at Spa Francorchamps on 1 May with a Prologue test on 26/27 April.
The 6 Hours of Monza will remain in mid-July with Le Mans now scheduled from 21-22 August – the ACO announcing earlier this week that it will move to August when there will be a higher chance of spectator attendance.
All changes to the 2021 WEC calendar have been made in accordance with the ACO, the FIA and the circuit organisers.
The final two rounds of WEC Season 9, which will take place in Fuji (Japan) and Bahrain, will remain unchanged.
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “Due to the ongoing pandemic situation, we have to be extremely flexible in our decision-making. We are continually adapting to government decisions, especially restrictions on travel between different countries. Following discussions with WEC competitors, we have no choice but to delay the start of the season. We have, however, managed to keep all the rounds on the calendar which is our number one priority. We now look forward to the opening race at Spa in May and to seeing the Hypercars do battle on track for the first time.”
Richard Mille, President of the FIA Endurance Commission: “In the reality affected by the global health crisis, all sporting calendars have to be considered fluid and nothing is set in stone. Having said that, I’m full of praise for the efforts of the promoter of the FIA World Endurance Championship for their flexibility and reactive approach. Delaying the start of the season should be beneficial for everyone involved, from the competitors to the fans.”
Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the FIA WEC: “I would like to thank our teams, suppliers, partners, the FIA, the Portimão and Spa-Francorchamps circuit organisers, the LMEM team and many others for their cooperation in what continues to be a difficult time for everyone. The new date for Portimão will give us a better chance of allowing fans to attend and we are certain that the change in schedule is more favourable for all concerned.”
