The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) is returning this year with the next event confirmed for 15th November 2025 at the Yas Marina Circuit. With a $2.25 million (approximately £1.7 million) prize pool, this year’s event will also introduce a virtual racing series, A2RL SIM-Sprint.
Organised by ASPIRE, part of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), A2RL had a successful debut in April 2024, attracting over 10,000 fans to the circuit and more than a million global streaming views. This year promises to build on that momentum with new teams, upgraded race tech, and a push to advance AI in high-performance environments.
The 2025 event will include teams from France and Japan for the first time. They will join returning teams from the USA, Germany, China, Singapore, Italy, and the UAE. The competition is all about showing which team’s algorithm is the best when it comes to autonomous driving.
This will also be when the EAV-24 is in action. This is an upgraded version of A2RL’s autonomous racecar. Based on the Dallara Super Formula SF23, the EAV-24 has been improved with enhanced sensors, better computing power, and smarter control systems. The car remains the fastest open-wheel platform after Formula One, capable of reaching speeds up to 186mph (300 km/h) without a human driver.
The newly launched SIM-Sprint takes autonomous racing into the virtual world, allowing teams to develop their AI systems under controlled yet complex simulated conditions. This will be an extremely important tool for testing rare or extreme scenarios, “edge cases”, as they are known, are difficult to recreate on the track, so being able to accurately simulate them is a big help for algorithm development. Over time, SIM-Sprint is expected to open up to developers, fans, and future teams through a structured path from virtual racing to real-world competition.
“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.”
H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs and Secretary General of ATRC
“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.”
Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE
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