Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League To Return For Season 2 With Expanded Global Roster

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- ASPIRE, the innovation acceleration arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has officially launched the second season of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) set on April 26, 2025, at Yas Marina Circuit, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to a statement, competitors will race for a share of the impressive US$2.25 million prize pool. (US$1=RM4.29)

A2RL returns to attract an even broader global footprint with the addition of four new international teams and the reveal of an upgraded Dallara built Super Formula Emirates Autonomous Vehicle (EAV24) designed to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI) in motorsport.

UAE President Adviser and ATRC Secretary General, Faisal Al Bannai said A2RL is more than just a race but also a critical platform for showcasing the power of AI-driven solutions and their potential to transform entire industries.

“By pushing the boundaries of what is possible with autonomous technology, we are accelerating innovation across sectors and positioning the UAE as a leader in the global AI landscape,” he said.

Following a successful inaugural race in April this year, A2RL is expanding its global roster with the addition of four new teams, namely United States’ AiPEX Racing, France’s Aladin Innovation, Japan’s SEVRUS Japan (TGM Grand Prix), and a team from the UAE’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII).

These new entrants will join the original teams from Season 1 in undergoing a rigorous simulation phase in November, where they will face track conditions to finalise the complete team roster, in which the race format for the upcoming season will be revealed following the simulation challenge.

Promising to showcase some of the world's brightest engineers and programmers, with these teams harnessing the power of AI to code autonomous race cars, the league is evolving into a global AI sport where the combination of innovation and high-speed competition takes centre stage.

The first season saw a remarkable turnout, with over 10,000 spectators witnessing the event live at Yas Marina Circuit. The second season aims to build on this success, cementing A2RL’s position as a pioneering force in both motorsport and the advancement of AI.

-- BERNAMA