Opel Ireland has partnered with Mondello Park to launch the ‘2022 Early-Drive’ road safety programme.
Claiming to be a unique young driver education programme, developed by Mondello Park and the Irish School of Motoring, Early-Drive Electrified by Opel, has been designed specifically for 13 to 17-year-olds to give them valuable first-time driving experience behind the wheel of an Opel Corsa on the famous Mondello Park circuit in Co Kildare.
Mondello Park recently took delivery of five Opel Corsa models, including two all-electric Corsa-e models, ahead of the launch and new school academic year in September.
The ‘Early-Drive Electrified by Opel’ course at Mondello Park aims to instil general road safety awareness in students from an early age, ensuring they immediately become safer pedestrians and cyclists, and setting them on their way to becoming safe drivers of the future.
With a combination of practical on- and theoretical off-track sessions, the course is delivered in a fun, exciting and ultimately safe environment.
A road ready session includes theory test practice questions and a step-by-step guide to applying for a driver’s license. The highlight of the day sees participants driving a dual controlled zero-emissions electric or petrol automatic Opel Corsa on the famous Mondello Park track, with an instructor beside them.
They learn precision throttle and steering control, correct speed and braking techniques, parallel parking, reversing, spatial awareness and observation skills.
The experience further includes a tour of Mondello Park, the home of Irish Motorsport since 1968, taking in the podium, garages and pitlane, as well as a tour of the impressive selection of Le Mans, NASCAR and Formula One cars in the Martin Birrane Collection.
“This is an unforgettable day for teenagers, giving them their first driving experience in the safe environment of our track.
“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," Roddy Greene, managing director of Mondello Park, said.
“It is very timely to partner with Mondello Park and to launch Early-Drive Electrified by Opel, given the recent announcement Opel will be purely electric in Europe by 2028.
“Indeed, today’s young learner driver may only ever drive an electrified, automatic car and we are delighted to be part of that transition. The zero-emissions Opel Corsa-e is the perfect introduction to driving; fun to drive, it also looks great," Richard Dillon, head of retail sales at Opel Ireland, added.
