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.

Protecting the health of competitors, partners and spectators remains the number one priority for the WEC. Fans will of course be able to follow the race from the safety of their own home and a limited number of media will be accepted to cover the events.  

Frédéric Lequien, WEC CEO: “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. 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 as much sportscar action as we can to the homes of our fans by our various broadcast deals, the official FIA WEC app and via our social media channels.”

Portimão will host the pre-season test, otherwise known as the Prologue, from March 30-31 with the first race of WEC Season 9 taking place a few days later (April 2-4 ). The TOTAL 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps will be staged in Belgium from April 29 – May 1.

2020 FIA World Endurance Championship – Portimão entry list