Opel Ireland has announced that it has partnered with Mondello Park racing circuit in County Kildare for the launch of the 2022 Early-Drive road safety programme.
The theory
Developed by the Irish School of Motoring in conjunction with Mondello, the Early-Drive programme is geared towards 13-17-year-olds and aims to instil a sense of safety not just behind the wheel (something which may serve them well in future) but also as a cyclist or pedestrian, something from which they will derive immediate benefit.
The course will see participants tutored through a series of practical on-track and theoretical classroom sessions, the academic end including lessons on how to apply for a driving licence and theory test practice sessions.
The practice
The other part of the course will place the students behind the wheel of one of Mondello's new fleet of five dual-control Opel Corsas (two of which are electric) for a session on track accompanied by a driving instructor to get a feel for things like throttle and steering control, braking, reversing, parallel parking and spatial/observation skills.
As well as the learning experience, the students will be taken on a tour of Mondello's paddock and pitlane as well as through the on-site museum, which houses the now-deceased former owner of Mondello, Martin Birrane's collection of racing cars.
"Timely" partnership
"This is an unforgettable day for teenagers, giving them their first driving experience in the safe environment of our track," said Roddy Greene, managing director at Mondello. "The excitement and enjoyment of the day is clear to see. The ISM [Irish School of Motoring] has had a significant input into creating the program and we are delighted to partner with Opel Ireland."
"It is very timely to partner with Mondello Park and to launch Early-Drive, given the recent announcement Opel will be purely electric in Europe by 2028," added Richard Dillon, head of retail sales at Opel Ireland.
"Indeed, today's young learner driver may only ever drive an electrified, automatic car and we are delighted to be part of that transition."
Entry to the Early-Drive programme costs €95 and can be booked through Mondello's website. No licence is required.