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 of Car will take place on 15 November at Yas Marina Circuit with a US$2.25 million prize pool and the launch of a pioneering global virtual racing series.
Following its 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.
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.
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.”
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 autonomised 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 re-engineered to incorporate enhanced sensor arrays, upgraded computer systems, and refined control logic, optimised for the demanding conditions of autonomous racing. First unveiled in the inaugural race, the SF23 is built from sustainable bio-composite materials, weighs 690kg, 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 optimise their AI driving algorithms in the pursuit of peak performance.
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.
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. Visit A2RL.io for more information.
