Storyline: A high-octane race which combined speed with cutting edge technology thrilled large crowds under the lights at one of the world's premier motor-racing venues in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday evening, despite there being no drivers behind the wheel of these high performance vehicles. The event marked the second running of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) which saw 11 teams of engineers controlling their single-seater open-wheeled race cars in a high-speed showcase of robotics, autonomy and artificial intelligence. Though there were no drivers to cheer on, fans filled the venue to see the gripping action unfold on track at the famous Yas Marina circuit - a world-renowned facility which typically hosts the final round of the Formula One World Championship each year. Among those taking part was the China-UAE joint "Flying Eagle" team, formed by faculty and students from the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) and the UAE's Khalifa University, which came home in the runners-up spot in the silver race time trial category. Many participants believe this competition can help accelerate development of the autonomous driving sector, and map out an important blueprint for future mobility. "This competition provides a platform for future autonomous driving development, exploring how artificial intelligence can establish more robust safety boundaries. Undoubtedly, it serves as an exceptionally valuable platform," said Lin Defu, a professor at BIT and director of the China-UAE intelligent unmanned systems joint laboratory. The event also saw a thrilling battle between man and machine as former F1 driver Danil Kvyat went head-to-head in a 10-lap race against an unmanned, AI-powered car. Organizers hope that the unique racing format of the A2RL will help inspire others and highlight the vast potential of new technologies. "[There are] a lot of families and a lot of kids that will be interested, and that will become interested not only in motorsport, but in robotics, AI and all the future technology. This is what the A2RL mandate is, [serving as a] bridge and bring technology closer to the people," said Nicola Palarchi, the A2RL's technical director. Shotlist: Abu Dhabi, UAE - Nov 15, 2025: 1. Various of autonomous car race in progress, spectators in grandtsnad 2. Race participants, crew members 3. Various of racing car in pit lane 4. Drone show depicting flying eagle over race venue 5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Lin Defu, director, China-UAE intelligent unmanned systems joint laboratory: "This competition provides a platform for future autonomous driving development, exploring how artificial intelligence can establish more robust safety boundaries. Undoubtedly, it serves as an exceptionally valuable platform." Abu Dhabi, UAE - Recent: 6. Various of fast motion of racing cars running on track, parked on grid Abu Dhabi, UAE - Nov 15, 2025: 7. SOUNDBITE (English) Nicola Palarchi, technical director, Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) (full name not given): "[There are] a lot of families and a lot of kids that will be interested, and that will become interested not only in motorsport, but in robotics, AI and all the future technology. This is what the A2RL mandate is, [serving as a] bridge and bring technology closer to the people." 8. Screen above podium showing sponsors, signs of autonomous car race 9. Racing cars parked on grid, spectators 10. Spectators watching fireworks over race venue