On November 9 and 10, 2024, the A2RL, an automated formula car, attracted much attention when it was demonstrated at the Suzuka Circuit.

A2RL is a competition originating from Abu Dhabi, and is an unmanned driving vehicle equipped with an AI developed based on ASPIRE’s software on a chassis made by Dallara, and is being developed independently by various teams including universities. This event resulted in a crash during the demo run on the 10th. The cause of the crash was due to a lack of grip related to the internal pressure of the tires. Grip control, including tire temperature management, may still be difficult for AI to determine, especially in motorsports, where a large percentage of the work depends on the driver’s senses rather than data.

Through this demonstration, we can expect further development of AI technology. However, motorsports is a human sport, and I believe that the ideal collaboration between motorsports and AI should be with the driver. I expect that AI will assist the driver’s recognition and judgment as he or she maneuvers in a marginal area, and that it will develop as a technology that complements driver error using automated driving technology to prevent serious or fatal accidents during races.