Opens in a new tab

JUJU NODA Sets Human Benchmark as A2RL Debuts at Imola

click to enlarge

September 3, 2026

GRRL! SUMMARY:

  • JUJU NODA established the human benchmark laptime at Imola for A2RL’s European debut, with the fastest autonomous car getting within 0.85 seconds of her time in adapted Super Formula machinery.
  • Nine days of testing preceded Saturday’s five-car autonomous race, with Italian squad Unimore Racing topping qualifying ahead of Polimove and defending champion TUM in challenging conditions.
  • A2RL’s weatherproofing upgrades allowed successful wet running at bumpy Imola, including hail conditions, addressing sensor vulnerabilities exposed during 2024 Suzuka testing with new cockpit seals and camera sleeves.

UPCOMING:

  • A2RL Race at Imola – Saturday, September 5, 2026

LINKS TO RACER'S PROFILE PAGES:

JUJU NODA

autonomous racing, imola, super formula

GRRL! summary based upon reporting originally appearing on www.the-race.com