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Mid East Info
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
World's Largest Autonomous Racing League Returns with USD $2.25M Prize Pool and Global Expansion - Middle East Business News and Information
A2RL Season 2 Car Championship to be held on 15 November at Iconic Yas Marina Circuit Teams from France and Japan Join the Racing League for the First Time A2RL 'SIM-Sprint' Debuts to Accelerate AI Development Abu Dhabi, UAE – May 2025 – ASPIRE, the driving force behind grand challenges and global competitions for Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), today announced the return of its flagship event, the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL). The 2025 edition will take place on 15 November at Yas Marina Circuit with a USD $2.25 million prize pool and the launch of a pioneering global virtual racing series. Following a groundbreaking debut in April 2024, which drew over 10,000 spectators and more than 1 million global streaming views, A2RL Season 2 is back with even greater ambition, expanded international participation, and a bold new platform to advance autonomous mobility. The announcement was made during the Make it in the Emirates Forum in Abu Dhabi. The Emirates Autonomous Vehicle (EAV 24), A2RL's upgraded autonomous racecar, represents a significant leap in performance and engineering. Assembled and autonomized in the UAE, the vehicle reflects the nation's growing capabilities in AI, robotics, and high-performance mobility. Built on the proven Super Formula SF23 platform, the EAV-24 has been reengineered to incorporate enhanced sensor arrays, upgraded compute systems, and refined control logic, optimized for the demanding conditions of autonomous racing. This year's league welcomes elite research teams from 10 countries, with the global roster expanding to include France and Japan for the first time, joining a strong line-up of returning teams from the USA, Germany, China, Singapore, Italy, and the UAE. As the world's most advanced competition for autonomous systems, A2RL continues to bridge the gap between simulation and real-world application. A key innovation this season is the launch of A2RL SIM-Sprint. A series of virtual races designed to fast-track algorithm refinement and test AI systems in diverse conditions, the SIM Sprint extends A2RL into a year-round development ecosystem. By offering a consistent and controlled environment for experimentation, the SIM Sprint allows teams to accelerate the development of their autonomous driving algorithms beyond what is possible through real-world testing alone. It is especially valuable for tackling 'edge cases', rare or extreme scenarios that are difficult to replicate on track but are critical for building resilient AI. Over time, A2RL aims to open the SIM Sprint to a wider community of participants, including fans, independent developers, and aspiring teams worldwide. A structured progression system – from Sim Academy to Sim Pro, and eventually to real-world A2RL qualification – will provide new pathways for talent to enter the league and contribute to the future of high-performance autonomy. H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs and Secretary General of ATRC, said: 'With A2RL, we're not just testing autonomous technology, we're accelerating its evolution in the most demanding conditions possible. It's a showcase of engineering excellence, but more importantly, a platform for the future of mobility. From high-speed racing to real-world applications, we are demonstrating what's possible when nations invest in deep tech innovation and challenge the world to think faster, build smarter, and compete responsibly.' Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, added: 'By combining the physical thrill of racing with the precision of virtual testing, we're enabling the world's best minds to push the boundaries of AI. This year's expanded league reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to challenge-driven innovation, where real-world impact is engineered at speed and scale.' At the heart of the competition is the Dallara Super Formula SF23, a next-generation open-wheel race car that was autonomized exclusively for A2RL. First unveiled in the inaugural race, the SF23 is built from sustainable bio-composite materials, weighs 690 kg, and is the fastest open-wheel race car in the world after Formula One, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h. Equipped with advanced braking systems, drive-by-wire throttle control, and a custom-built autonomous stack, the SF23 gives each team a state-of-the-art platform to adapt and optimize their AI driving algorithms in the pursuit of peak performance. Through ASPIRE and under the broader umbrella of ATRC, A2RL continues to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in high-performance autonomy, transforming the way intelligent systems are developed, tested, and deployed. About Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League: The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) is a pioneering new series of competition that combines the push for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation through extreme sports. Each year, engineers, programmers, and scientists will come together to develop leading-edge AI for a variety of autonomous vehicles, including cars, drones and buggies, ready to compete in a series of challenges and claim their stake in a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Organized by ASPIRE, the innovation acceleration arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology and Research Council, A2RL aims to accelerate the global development of autonomous systems and technologies. It is also intended to help make Abu Dhabi a global R&D hub for autonomous vehicle technology while also inspiring the next generation of STEM talent.
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
King Charles and Willie Mullins strike historic deal over ‘impressive' horse bred by his late mum Queen Elizabeth II
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KING Charles and Willie Mullins have struck an historic deal - which will see the legendary handler train a hugely 'impressive' horse bred by the monarch's late mum. The amazing link-up, reported by The Irish Field, means Mullins will look after the brilliantly-bred Reaching High in a first-of-its-kind agreement. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Queen Camilla and King Charles III will be the first reigning monarchs to have a horse trained in Ireland - after striking a deal with legendary handler Willie Mullins Credit: Getty 3 Willie Mullins, alongside wife Jackie, left, is the biggest name in racing and his wins this year include the Grand National, where son Patrick, middle, rode 33-1 Nick Rockett to glory at Aintree Credit: PA 3 Reaching High demolished rivals on his only win to date It is believed Reaching High will be the first horse ever owned by a reigning monarch to be trained in Ireland. Formerly with the now-retired Sir Michael Stoute, Reaching High blew punters away with a seven-length rout of rivals in the Racing League at Wolverhampton last August. That was his sole win in eight starts - but it looks like there is so much more to come from the four-year-old gelding. And King Charles and Mullins - who was crowned Irish and British champion jumps trainer last season - are targeting Royal Ascot. Reaching High's mum is Estimate, the late Queen's favourite horse who won the Ascot Gold Cup in 2013. Video of Queen Elizabeth II celebrating the monumental victory alongside trusted confidante and racing adviser John Warren was played the world over. And Reaching High's dad is none other than the awesome Sea The Stars - one of the greatest racehorses ever who won the 2000 Guineas, Derby, Coral-Eclipse, Juddmonte, Irish Champion Stakes and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 2009. Mullins said he and King Charles, who owns horses alongside wife Queen Camilla, were introduced at last year's Royal Ascot. And a deal was done then that would ultimately lead to him being sent the hugely promising Reaching High. Mullins - who could gatecrash the Gold Cup with another £100,000 monster - told The Irish Field that they have already set out which race at Royal Ascot they want to win. That's providing all goes well with his debut at Leopardstown on Friday, when he will be ridden by Champion Bumper winner Jody Townend, sister to Mullins' No1 jockey Paul. Mullins, whose wins in Britain this year included the Grand National, where he had the 1-2-3 at Aintree, said: "He could be a contender for the Ascot Stakes over two-and-a-half miles on the opening day of Royal Ascot. "His pedigree is all stamina so those kind of races should suit him." King Charles actually rode at Cheltenham Festival but the Royal runners have tended to focus on the Flat. Of them, Estimate was by far the best but the King and Queen did have big success in 2023 with Desert Hero. Alsy by Sea The Stars and bred by the late Queen, he was a thrilling 18-1 Royal Ascot winner, reducing the King to tears. He then won the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood before finishing third in the St Leger - the final Classic of the season - at Doncaster. There had been fears King Charles would drastically cut back the multi-million pound Royal racing operation after he inherited it. But Queen Camilla remains a huge supporter of the sport and the couple still have a lot of horses in training with the likes of Nicky Henderson over jumps and William Haggas, Ralph Beckett and John and Thady Gosden on the Flat. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
King Charles and Willie Mullins strike historic deal over ‘impressive' horse bred by his late mum Queen Elizabeth II
KING Charles and Willie Mullins have struck an historic deal - which will see the legendary handler train a hugely 'impressive' horse bred by the monarch's late mum. The amazing link-up, reported by 3 Queen Camilla and King Charles III will be the first reigning monarchs to have a horse trained in Ireland - after striking a deal with legendary handler Willie Mullins Credit: Getty 3 Willie Mullins, alongside wife Jackie, left, is the biggest name in racing and his wins this year include the Grand National, where son Patrick, middle, rode 33-1 Nick Rockett to glory at Aintree Credit: PA 3 Reaching High demolished rivals on his only win to date It is believed Reaching High will be the first horse ever owned by a reigning monarch to be trained in Ireland. Formerly with the now-retired Sir Michael Stoute, Reaching High blew punters away with a seven-length rout of rivals in the Racing League at Wolverhampton last August. That was his sole win in eight starts - but it looks like there is so much more to come from the four-year-old gelding. And King Charles and Reaching High's mum is Estimate, the late Queen's favourite horse who won the Ascot Gold Cup in 2013. Video of And Reaching High's dad is none other than the awesome Sea The Stars - one of the greatest racehorses ever who won the 2000 Guineas, Derby, Coral-Eclipse, Juddmonte, Irish Champion Stakes and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 2009. Mullins said he and King Charles, who owns horses alongside wife Queen Camilla, were introduced at last year's Royal Ascot. Most read in Horse Racing And a deal was done then that would ultimately lead to him being sent the hugely promising Reaching High. Mullins - who could That's providing all goes well with his debut at Leopardstown on Friday, when he will be ridden by Champion Bumper winner Jody Townend, sister to Mullins' No1 jockey Paul. Mullins, whose wins in Britain this year included the Grand National, where he had the 1-2-3 at Aintree, said: "He could be a contender for the Ascot Stakes over two-and-a-half miles on the opening day of Royal Ascot. "His pedigree is all stamina so those kind of races should suit him." King Charles actually rode at Cheltenham Festival but the Royal runners have tended to focus on the Flat. Of them, Estimate was by far the best but the King and Queen did have big success in 2023 with Desert Hero. Alsy by Sea The Stars and bred by the late Queen, he was a thrilling 18-1 Royal Ascot winner, He then won the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood before finishing third in the St Leger - the final Classic of the season - at Doncaster. There had been fears But Queen Camilla remains a huge supporter of the sport and the couple still have a lot of horses in training with the likes of Nicky Henderson over jumps and William Haggas, Ralph Beckett and John and Thady Gosden on the Flat. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
