- Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) conducts first-ever European tests in Italy; aims to collect critical data on SF23 vehicle dynamics, driving behavior, environmental radio frequency challenges and new sensors evaluation.
- Sessions held at Imola and Vallelunga, to be led by Super Formula driver Juju Noda
- Testing paves the way for future European autonomous races as series grows beyond the UAE.
Italy/Abu Dhabi- UAE, 28 August 2024 - The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) is conducting its first-ever manned vehicle testing outside the UAE, signifying expansion into new international markets, with test sessions currently underway in Italy. Led by talented Japanese driver Juju Noda, this crucial phase of testing involves putting the SF23 racecar through its paces to gather vital data on vehicle dynamics, GPS trajectories, and human driver behavior, laying the groundwork for all future autonomous races.
The three-day test sessions across Imola and Vallelunga will enable A2RL engineers to evaluate how the vehicle performs under human control in an unfamiliar environment, moving from Yas Marina Circuit to other challenging tracks. The data gathered will be crucial for enhancing A2RL's autonomous systems, ensuring they can adapt to various terrains as the league expands into new regions.
Noda joins former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat as a Development Driver at A2RL, with whom the engineering team worked extensively at Yas Marina Circuit earlier this year. The pair will share testing responsibilities in the second year of the championship.
Getting her start in single-seat racecars at age nine, Noda has followed her father’s footsteps into the world of professional motorsport. Previously, she competed in the W Series and Euroformula Open. She currently races in Japan’s top-tier single-seat racing series, Super Formula, which also uses the SF23 racecar.
Juju Noda, Development Driver for A2RL, commented: “I am very excited about the upcoming testing at Imola and Vallelunga with A2RL. The SF23 is a very familiar platform, so it will be interesting to see how it performs on these iconic Italian tracks. I’m looking forward to using my experience with the racecar to help guide testing and data collection. Development driving for an autonomous car is an entirely new experience for me and I can’t wait to get started with the A2RL team.”
Stephane Timpano, CEO of A2RL, concluded: “Imola and Vallelunga should provide us with some interesting technical detail and – potentially – pave the way for overseas races and a global series. We are looking forward to working with Juju, who has become very familiar with the SF23 through her Super Formula racing. The data we collect in Italy will be invaluable in preparing the cars and the teams for future AI-powered races.”
To learn more about A2RL, visit: https://a2rl.io/
