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Halo shelved as Formula 1 picks 'shield' for 2018 cockpit device

Formula 1 is set to ditch the halo cockpit protection system and prioritise the newly-introduced 'shield' concept for 2018.

The decision was taken in Tuesday's Strategy Group and F1 Commission meeting in Paris.

The halo had originally been on course for introduction this season before being postponed for further testing and an intended 2018 debut following a previous unanimous Strategy Group vote.

But the device, which teams trialled during practice sessions last year, had divided opinion.

During the Chinese Grand Prix weekend earlier this month, the alternative shield concept - a see-through screen that would not cover all of the cockpit - was presented by the FIA during the Friday drivers' briefing.

It has now emerged as the favoured choice, with the FIA stating: "A number of more integrated solutions for additional frontal protection have been studied, and the decision has been taken to give priority to the transparent 'shield' family of systems.

"The FIA aims to carry out track tests of this system during this season in preparation for implementation in 2018."

Touted as a better compromise between safety and aesthetics than the halo or Red Bull's proposed aeroscreen concept, the shield drew mixed reviews when shown to drivers.

Daniil Kvyat, Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean were among the sceptics about both the shield and the general need for cockpit protection, while Felipe Massa urged critics to prioritise safety over aesthetics.

Zdroj: autosport.com