Abu Dhabi: ASPIRE, the Technology Transition Arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has declared the launch of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League.
The announcement is aligned with ASPIRE’s goal of creating an R&D cluster of the highest calibre in Abu Dhabi. Activities will start with the inaugural autonomous car race in 2nd quarter of 2024 in what is expected to be the largest autonomous racing league in the world.
There will be a number of autonomous vehicle races, with the first one taking place at Yas Marina Circuit. The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, which has a prize fund of up to AED 8 million (US$2.25 million), will use Dallara-built Super Formula cars, whose use has been made possible by Japan Racing Promotion (JRP). Outside of Formula One, the Super Formula cars are the fastest in the world, and they will be suitable for autonomous racing.
Through conducting competitions to improve R&D in autonomous racing and artificial intelligence (AI), the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League aims to push the boundaries of autonomous mobility. Additionally, cutting-edge and low-risk solutions to significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions through increased efficiency will be developed as a result of the applied research carried out in advance of the league, while also raising the performance and safety standards for motorsports and commercial transportation.
JRP will give the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League exclusive access to the Dallara Super Formula car, one of the most technologically advanced racing vehicles in the world, allowing ASPIRE to use it to push the boundaries and top speeds of autonomous driving. With real-time updates provided by infographics in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) and on-screen displays, race fans will be able to experience head-to-head autonomous car racing.
The first autonomous car race will be the opening event of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, which will debut in 2024 and feature races for autonomous off-road vehicles, drones, and other vehicles.