The FIA has confirmed the halo cockpit protection device is on the right path to be adapted and made mandatory for the 2017 Formula One season.
The halo was tested by both Ferrari drivers at the second pre-season test, is due to be subject to a thorough risk assessment to make sure the device is completely safe and hinders the driver as little as possible before its instalment. The primary tests the halo has been subjected to include the protection of the driver from flying objects such as a tyre or debris.
Other proposals have been offered to the FIA, like Red Bull’s ‘canopy’ concept, which appears to give the driver less visibility than the halo.
“It is considered further behind in development.” He said at a media briefing at Melbourne, Albert Park. “It has never been tested.”
“Although it could offer additional protection, I’ve my doubts it could be implemented for 2017, whereas I think the halo could.”
Issues such as extracting drivers from the cars in five seconds or less have been brought to the attention of the FIA as it pushes to get the halo concept on the cars for 2017. As this may be the case, the halo is more of a help than a hindrance according to Whiting.
“The benefits of the halo are far greater than the slightly worse situation of the driver taking a bit longer to get out.”
It is clear Whiting is very keen for this concept to come into play and even if concepts that provide more protection, better visibility and are more atheistically pleasing are suggested it is highly unlikely there will be a delay in the installation of the halo device. Whiting wants action and something to be done now. Even if it became the case that the halo was installed for a year before being replaced by a better alternative.
The working group, headed by Mercedes and Ferrari, are running the tests on the halo concept and hope to have a standardised design finalised by the end of May. It will not be an optional device; all cars will have to adapt the halo into their car designs for 2017.
