20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
The driverless car race is coming back to Abu Dhabi with a huge cash prize
Start your engines – well, your algorithms – because the world's most advanced driverless car showdown is hitting Yas Marina Circuit once again this November.
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) is returning on Friday November 15 and it's not just about the glory. This year's prize pool clocks in at a jaw-dropping US$2.25 million (that's over Dhs8 million).
If you missed last year's debut, let us catch you up: over 10,000 fans packed the stands while more than a million viewers tuned in from around the globe to watch AI-driven race cars hit top speeds without a human in sight. A2RL is where high-octane motorsport meets cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence – and it's only getting bigger.
Now entering its second season, A2RL is welcoming top research teams from ten countries, with France and Japan joining the line-up alongside returning powerhouses from the USA, Germany, China, Singapore, Italy and the UAE. The cars? They're built on the Super Formula SF23 chassis – the fastest open-wheel race car outside of Formula 1 – only now, they're entirely autonomous.
The upgraded EAV-24, built right here in the UAE, comes loaded with next-gen sensors, smarter control systems and eco-conscious materials. It can hit speeds of up to 300km/h, all with zero drivers on board.
But it's not just about track time. New for 2025 is A2RL SIM-Sprint, a global virtual racing series that takes the action online. It gives teams the chance to develop and refine their algorithms year-round and in all kinds of conditions – ideal for testing those pesky edge cases that don't come up often in real life but could be make-or-break moments in a race.
In the future, the SIM Sprint will open to a broader crowd, from indie developers to motorsport-loving gamers. Think of it as a talent pipeline from virtual track to real-world race day.
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.'
Friday November 15, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi.
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