Abu Dhabi is preparing to host speedy self-driving car competitions and AI-controlled drone flying tournaments as part of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League. The league, established by ASPIRE to develop a world-class research and development (R&D) center in Abu Dhabi, will offer augmented and virtual reality updates to spectators and a prize pool exceeding $2M.
The League will kick off with the first autonomous car race in the second quarter of 2024, held at Yas Marina Circuit, as the initial part of a sequence of independent car races. Japan Racing Promotion (JRP) has made it possible to use Dallara-produced Super Formula vehicles, which will be featured in the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League’s competitions, and the prize pool will be more than AED 8M ($2.25M).
The Super Formula vehicles, which are among the fastest in the world besides Formula One, will be equipped suitably for independent racing, according to reports. The primary aim of the League is to advance research and development (R&D) in autonomous racing and artificial intelligence (AI) by organizing challenges, the reports say.
In addition, the R&D conducted before the league will create innovative and low-risk methods to significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by enhancing efficiency while enhancing the safety and performance standards of motorsports and commercial transportation.
ASPIRE will have the opportunity to push the limits and speeds of independent driving by using one of the world’s most advanced racing cars, thanks to JRP’s involvement in providing exclusive access to the Dallara Super Formula car for the League.
Spectators of the race will be able to witness the head-to-head competition of independent cars and receive live updates through Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) infographics, as well as real-time displays shown on screen.
Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary-General of ATRC, said: “We are proud to announce the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, where we will set new benchmarks for autonomous vehicles and help them pre-empt and prepare for unknown challenges as they become more mainstream.
“In addition to creating a community platform for motorsports fans, the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League will feature an open development model, supporting faster progress, faster testing, and greater innovation.
“Machine learning and reinforcement learning will be key to collecting data and developing the technology of these vehicles.”
Yoshihisa Ueno, President of JRP, said: “As Japan’s premier racing series, SUPER FORMULA, we are delighted to partner with ASPIRE for the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League to see racing and technology come further together.”
Andrea Pontremoli, CEO of Dallara, said: “In line with our vision to design and build the fastest and safest cars in the world, we are excited to partner with ASPIRE to shape the future of mobility.
“The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League will set the pace and drive new levels of performance, safety, efficiency, and importantly, sustainability, in autonomous technologies.”
The first autonomous car race will be the first among a series of autonomous vehicle races in the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League launching in 2024, which will include autonomous off-road racing, autonomous drone racing, and more.
