Halo Confirmed For 2017

HALO CONFIRMED FOR 2017

Formula One bosses have confirmed a modified version of the halo head protection device will be run from 2017. The device, which has divided opinions in the paddock, is thought to be the more developed of the two options available at the moment.

    The modified design is expected to be a more elegant design than the one tested by Ferrari already, made of titanium with a smaller central hub. The new design will be tested in June ahead of the planned final agreement in July. Few problems are expected.

    The halo concept was chosen over Red Bull’s aero screen, but work will continue on the second concept with the possibility of introducing it in 2018. The aero screen was unexpectedly poor in the most recent tests, and is yet to go through the free head space test that the halo has already passed.

    Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley believes 2017 is too early to bring in the design, though, saying the halo needs to be fully evaluated before rushing into the decision.

“In my view it’s much better that you do the full evaluation and then come in with a solution that you’re completely satisfied with,” Fernley told Autosport.

“There are gaps. Gaps that springs go through, or manhole covers. So why are you sure that that is the right solution?

“We could bring it in for ’18, having done a full evaluation of the process and that would still meet all the needs of the safety requirement.”

Others, including Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg, have backed the FIA’s decision.

“We had another event on Thursday with the drain, and the halo can help in such instances I would expect, so we have another example where it could be very beneficial,” Rosberg told Autosport.

    There’s still an official legislative procedure the halo has to go through before it’s formally adopted, but the FIA can push it through on legal grounds.

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Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
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