The Algarve International Circuit was constructed in 2008 and has hosted European Le Mans Series races before with the 4 Hours of Portimão. In January 2021, it was announced that the track would host the opening round of the 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship, replacing the cancelled round at Sebring.[1] On 26 February 2021 it was confirmed that the race would take place behind closed doors.[2] The race was initially scheduled to take place on the 2–4 April 2021 but was later rescheduled to the second race of the season, held on the 12–13 June 2021.[3]