The first race of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) took place on the Yas Marina Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Formula 1 track today, and I’m pleased to report that a race both began and ended. But the event was not without strife — far from it. During qualifying time trials, the driverless Dallara Super Formula racers outfitted with cameras and software seemed to struggle mightily to complete a full lap.
During the trials, cars randomly juked:
Image: A2RL
Or spun:
Image: A2RL
Or turned into walls:
Image: A2RL
Or just pulled off the track to take a little break:
Image: A2RL
You get well-acquainted with the interstitial music during these highlights….