In the first Autonomous Racing League race, the struggle was real

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….

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