The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) will stage its first international event on 5 September 2026 at Italy’s Imola Circuit, marking the next phase in the autonomous motorsport championship’s expansion beyond the UAE.

Organised by ASPIRE, part of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council, the series has spent its first two seasons at Yas Marina Circuit, where it has tested fully autonomous race cars in competitive conditions. The Imola event will be the championship’s first race outside Abu Dhabi before the season concludes later this year back at Yas Marina.

New Age Racing

Up to five teams will compete using autonomous race cars based on the Dallara Super Formula SF23. Defending champion TUM from Germany has already secured its place on the grid alongside Italy’s Unimore Racing and PoliMOVE. UAE-based Kinetiz and Germany’s Constructor Racing will compete in qualifying events ahead of race weekend for the remaining places.

Known for its narrow layout, technical corners and limited run-off areas, Imola is regarded as one of Europe’s most demanding circuits. The track will provide a new challenge for autonomous racing systems, requiring AI to make split-second decisions on racing lines, overtaking and vehicle positioning under competitive conditions.

Alongside preparations on track, competing teams have been taking part in A2RL’s Sim Sprint virtual racing programme, which runs across digital versions of several international circuits, including Imola and Yas Marina. The simulation platform allows teams to develop and test autonomous driving software before moving to real-world competition.

Ahead of its Italian debut, A2RL has also participated in Motor Valley Fest and visited universities including the University of Bologna, the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, and Politecnico di Milano to engage with students and researchers interested in autonomous mobility and artificial intelligence.

Following the Imola race, the championship will return to Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi for the 2026 season finale, bringing the series back to the venue where it was launched in 2024.