Look, no driver? Autonomous Racing League is coming…
Another effort to launch driverless racing has been announced: the first Autonomous Racing League event is scheduled for next year in Abu Dhabi
ALAMY
The prospect of autonomous motor sport taking its next step towards reality appears to be on the horizon. Plans have been revealed for the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) to hold its first race at the Yas Marina circuit on April 28 next year. Ten teams from universities and research institutions from around the world have signed up to compete for a prize pool totalling £2.1m. Each will take delivery of a Dallara SF23 single-seater, as seen in Japan’s high-powered Super Formula category.
“This initiative is inspiring a new generation to re-imagine and innovate for a brighter future in an international-scale race,” said Dr Tom McCarthy, executive director of Aspire, the series’ driving force. “By equipping competitive teams with the newly adapted Dallara SF23 cars, complete with an autonomy stack, we’re ensuring a level playing field.”
Self-driving Dallara racing cars. Huh, whatever will they think of next?
ALAMY
Autonomous racing projects are not new. A company called Roborace pioneered the concept with its DevBot self-driving car, as seen at Formula E events and at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. But the prospect of as many as 10 Super Formula Dallaras racing wheel to wheel takes the ‘sport’ to new levels.