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The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) is set to return for its highly anticipated second season on April 26, 2025, at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit. Organized by ASPIRE, the innovation arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the event will see new teams join the competition, including entrants from the USA, France, Japan, and the UAE. This season will feature the upgraded Dallara-built Super Formula Emirates Autonomous Vehicle (EAV24) and a US$ 2.25 million prize pool.
Key Highlights:
- Season 2 race day confirmed for April 26, 2025, at Yas Marina Circuit.
- New teams from the USA, France, Japan, and the UAE join the competition.
- Upgraded EAV24 autonomous race car unveiled, featuring sustainable bio-composite materials.
- Prize pool of US$ 2.25 million for competing teams.
The A2RL’s first season showcased teams from around the globe, including the USA, Germany, Italy, China, and more. In its second season, A2RL will expand its global footprint with four new teams—AiPEX Racing from the US, Aladin Innovation from France, SEVRUS Japan (TGM Grand Prix), and a team from the UAE’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII). All participating teams will undergo a simulation phase in November to finalize the lineup for the upcoming race.
During the simulation, teams will demonstrate their ability to control vehicles under challenging conditions, such as GPS failures and sensor malfunctions, while showcasing skills in tire and brake warming, overtaking, and hot laps. Only those who pass these challenges will compete on race day, ensuring a high level of autonomous performance and technical excellence.
The upgraded EAV24 race car made its debut at GITEX Global, Dubai’s premier technology event. Built with next-generation AI technology, the EAV24 features body panels crafted from sustainable materials, highlighting the focus on AI innovation and sustainability. The league aims to merge cutting-edge AI with high-speed competition, providing a platform for engineers and programmers to test their skills in autonomous racing.
H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President and Secretary General of ATRC, emphasized A2RL’s broader impact: “A2RL is more than just a race; it’s a critical platform for showcasing the power of AI-driven solutions and their potential to transform entire industries. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with autonomous technology, we are accelerating innovation across sectors and positioning the UAE as a leader in the global AI landscape.”
Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, added, “The second season of A2RL is set to be even more exhilarating, with new teams pushing the limits of AI integration in motorsport. Our upgraded race car, designed with next-gen autonomous tech, will challenge teams to take their coding and engineering to new heights. This league is more than just a competition—it’s a glimpse into the future of AI-driven sports.”
The A2RL not only focuses on autonomous car racing but also extends to other technologies, including autonomous drone racing and autonomous buggies, offering a risk-free environment for OEMs and automakers to explore and develop innovative solutions for future mobility. The US$ 2.25 million prize aims to attract top talent from around the world, driving advancements in AI and autonomous systems.
The first season of A2RL saw over 10,000 spectators at Yas Marina Circuit and more than 1 million online viewers. The second season is poised to build on this success, continuing A2RL’s mission of accelerating the development of autonomous systems and building public trust in emerging technologies.
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