The circuit in Abu Dhabi hosted the first race of formula cars that are controlled by artificial intelligence (AI). There was also a demonstration drive with the participation of former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been gaining ground recently in various industries, which also applies to motorsport.
This has now been confirmed in Abu Dhabi, where the first single-seater race that is controlled by AI took place on Saturday as part of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL).
A total of eight identical driverless Dallara SF23 cars were presented on the track, which is the traditional venue for the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix. The single-seaters differed only in the AI code that each of the eight participating teams developed themselves.
The first race of the A2RL organization, which aims to demonstrate the development of autonomous technologies and their potential in improving road safety, was not without complications.
Both in practice runs and in the race itself, which was attended by the four best teams (two from Italy and two from Germany) based on qualification, there were a number of unusual situations. For example, cars suddenly turned into a barrier or stopped unexpectedly.
The winner of the eight-lap race was the car prepared by the Technical University of Munich (TUM).
Kvyat dominated the “fight” with AI
Former F1 pilot Daniil Kvyat also made an appearance in Abu Dhabi during a demonstration drive, taking part in a “fight” with an AI-controlled car on the track.
Kvyat emerged victorious from the comparison with AI, even though he had already clearly declared before the race that it would not be a regular race.
“We witnessed a historic moment that is great to be a part of. Until recently, it was hard to imagine that something like cars with artificial intelligence could exist,” said the former Red Bull or Toro Rosso driver immediately after the exhibition drive.
Record of race
Tags: race singleseaters controlled place Abu Dhabi complications F1sport .cz
