On Saturday, April 27, Abu Dhabi will host a groundbreaking event. 10,000 spectators will be able to watch the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League ( A2RL ) race launched by ASPIRE at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit. This new standalone racing competition marks a milestone in the history of motorsport, as it is the largest league of its kind in the world.

Eight teams will compete to win the substantial prize pool of US$2.25 million: Code19 Racing (one of the first independent players in autonomous racing in the United States), Constructor University (based in Germany and Switzerland), Fly Eagle (representing Beijing Institute of Technology of China and Khalifa University of the United Arab Emirates), HUMDA Lab (member of Széchenyi István University of Hungary), KINETIZ (a collaboration between Nanyang Technological University of Singapore and Kintsugi based in the United Arab Emirates), PoliMOVE (representing the Politecnico di Milano of Italy), UNIMORE (also from Italy - University of Modena and Reggio Emilia) and Technical University of Munich (from Germany).

Participating teams, comprised of engineers and coders, will each have exclusive access to identical Dallara Super Formula SF23 cars, through a partnership with Japan Race Promotions. These cars will be made autonomous using autonomous racing systems developed and integrated by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). The only variable is how each team uses their coding skills, AI algorithms, and machine learning software development expertise to teach their cars to race. Currently recognized as the fastest single-seaters in the world after Formula 1, these cars can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h.

The unique race format will see four autonomous cars compete simultaneously on the track - a feat never attempted before. After a series of prequalification races, the best performances from the time and speed tests will qualify for the final event, the Overtaking Challenge, which will determine the overall winner. In addition, a race between an autonomous car and a car driven by a human will take place. The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) will take on the electrical challenge of pitting its autonomous car against former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. The objective of the TII will be to get as close as possible to the time achieved by the human driver and to demonstrate the ability of the autonomous car to drive without GPS assistance.

His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) – parent entity of ASPIRE – and Advisor to the President of the UAE on Strategic Research and Advanced Technologies, said: “ By pushing the limits of technology in extreme conditions, we open new scientific horizons. This new paradigm in motor racing harnesses the pinnacle of skills in coding, AI algorithms and software development, all key skills for the future. By harnessing these capabilities, we position ourselves at the forefront of research and development, propelling Abu Dhabi to become a pivotal global hub for innovation.”

ADNOC has joined the event as a title sponsor, providing crucial support and reigniting general enthusiasm for the development of autonomous racing technology. HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technologies, and Managing Director and CEO of ADNOC Group, added: “As we chart the course for the UAE's industrial future, our commitment to local value and technological progress remains unwavering. A2RL embodies our dedication to integrating cutting-edge technologies, including AI, driving competitiveness and economic growth across all sectors. For decades, ADNOC has been investing in the latest technologies and innovations – from the control room to the boardroom – to deliver the modern energy that powers our lives.”

A2RL organizer, Stéphane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, said: “A2RL is much more than just a race, it is a platform that allows testing and optimization of autonomous vehicle technologies. , thereby improving safety and reliability on public roads. Thanks to the support of local and international partners, we have moved closer to the future of mobility.” The inaugural race attracted a host of sponsors, each bringing their expertise and resources to ensure the successful development of these cutting-edge autonomous cars. Leading partners, such as Du, DMT, AWS and Mubadala, played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the event, while media partners like Motorsports Inc. Arabia, FastCompany Middle East and What's On reinforced the visibility of the A2RL.

Technical partners, including Dallara, Danisi Engineering, Meccanica 42, Kistler, Seyond, Eventagrate, Live in Five, Focal Point VR and Vislink, brought their specialist knowledge to raise the event's standards of innovation and performance.

For those unable to attend the event in person, the excitement of race day will be available via various live streaming channels, including the official A2RL YouTube and Twitch channels, motorsport.tv and the A2RL app. Interested parties are invited to consult the A2RL website and follow social media for updates on the program and details regarding race broadcasting in their respective region.

This inaugural A2RL event is part of Abu Dhabi Mobility Week, which will take place from April 24 to May 1.

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Source:businesswire.com

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