Nico Rosberg was one of many drivers to praise what he described a ‘successful test’ running the Halo in FP1 at Spa-Francorchamps.
The German was among four drives to trial the cockpit protection, as the FIA look to continue a vast number of tests before introducing a cockpit solution in 2018.
The Halo has come under criticism from fans for its ugly looks, but 95% of the drivers are for the device to be implemented as soon as possible.
Visibility has been the main concern with the Halo device, but Rosberg insisted it at no point disturbed his concentration.
“It was good to try it and they have done a good job with it because it doesn’t disturb me at all when I am driving,” he said.
“It just increases the safety a lot. I know it is not nice looking from outside of course, because it doesn’t make the cars prettier, but in terms of safety I think it is a good thing.”
Daniel Ricciardo was another driver to test the Halo In FP1 and having already tested another alternative cockpit solution earlier in the season, the Red Bull driver had no worries.
“I think it is not too bad,” added Ricciardo. “It is definitely a work in progress. It was the first time I have run it, as I ran the Aeroscreen, so it is definitely different again.
“But it was definitely good to test it here. I think it is good we can test until the end of the season and give feedback.
“I will give some feedback tonight, we have been given a sheet, so a bit of homework! First impressions were not too bad, there are still some things to work on, it is not unexpected for now. Generally speaking not too bad.”
Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg was the third driver to run the device, the German had previously stated his displeasure of the sport going in the direction of cockpit safety but he was satisfied with visibility.
“It was a weird feeling, and to have something there which limits you was obviously a new experience,” Hulkenberg said. I have to say visibility wasn’t too bad, I don’t think that was an issue.
“It will take time to get used to, and also I did an installation lap, so that’s nowhere near enough to properly understand.
“For sure we need more time and more testing to get a better picture.”
