Young drivers unleashed on track
Yas Marina Circuit opens doors to 11-17 year olds
By Shahzad Sheikh
The “1st Gear Junior Driver Circuit Experience” from Yas Marina Circuit features a two and half hour session for 11-17 year olds driving on the GP circuit – great present huh?
Along with driving theory, the sessions teach youngsters about the controls on a car, and allow them to pull away, steer and stop. If they do well at that they’ll be taught how to change gears, use their mirrors and road positioning and reversing. Twelve year old Avidar Al Kurdi, from Jordan: “This is my first time behind the wheel of a real car. It was a great experience, for a while it felt like a video game. I think I was able to control the car. The classroom was interesting and we learned how to be safe in a car.
“I have always watched my dad when he is driving and I always wanted to be able to drive him around. I am looking forward to coming here again for more driving practice and will tell all my friends at school about it.”
“Yas Marina Circuit is committed to helping young people become safe and competent drivers,” commented Faisal Al Sahlawi, Head of the Yas Racing School.
“This experience is all about developing critical car control skills necessary for young people to become responsible drivers.” “I can’t think of a better place to learn to drive than on a world-class racing circuit,” he continued.
The course costs AED400 ($109) – free for parents/guardians and spectators. There’s a maximum height and weight: 188cm and 105kg respectively.
The 1st Gear Junior Driver Experience, is aimed at 11-17 year old boys and girls, and will be held throughout the year. For more information or to book a 1st Gear Junior Driver Experience, please visit www.yasmarinacircuit.ae.
