KUALA LUMPUR, Abu Dhabi will host a groundbreaking event, welcoming 10,000 spectators to witness the inaugural ASPIRE Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit, on April 27. This brand-new autonomous racing competition marks a significant milestone in motorsport history, billed as the largest league of its kind globally, according to a statement. For the first time, the race format is poised to feature four autonomous cars driving on the racetrack simultaneously, with eight international teams competing for US$2.25 million prize pool. (US$1=RM4.77) 'A2RL is more than just a race, it is a platform for testing and optimising autonomous vehicle technologies, enhancing safety and reliability on public roads. With the support of local and international partners, we are bringing the mobility future, closer,' said A2RL Organiser, ASPIRE Chief Executive Officer, Stephane Timpano. Meanwhile, ASPIRE's parent entity Advanced Technology Research Council, Secretary General, and Adviso r to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) President on Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, Faisal Al Bannai said this reimagined racing paradigm harnessed the pinnacle of coding skills, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, and software development prowess, the very skill sets of the future. The inaugural race has attracted a diverse array of sponsors, each contributing their expertise and resources to ensure the success of the development of the cutting-edge autonomised cars. ADNOC has come on board as title sponsor, providing crucial support, underscoring the widespread enthusiasm for advancing autonomous racing technology. Additionally, an AI versus human car race will unfold, with Technology Innovation Institute (TII) embracing the electrifying challenge of pitting their autonomous car against former Formula 1 driver, Daniil Kvyat, in which TII will aim to get as close as possible to the human lap time and will also demonstrate the autonomous car's ability to drive without global positionin g system (GPS) assistance. The Race Day will be accessible via various live streaming channels, including A2RL's official YouTube and Twitch channels, motorsport.tv and the A2RL app.