F1: frontal cockpit protection to come in 2018

HOCKENHEIM, GERMANY » Frontal cockpit protection will not be introduced for Formula One cars before the 2018 season, to allow for more testing, the governing body of world motor sports said Thursday.

The F1 Strategy Group that includes Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone, six leading teams and FIA President Jean Todt agreed on the move after a meeting in Geneva. Drivers, who spoke strongly in favor of the “Halo” system, were hoping it would come into force next season.

The FIA said that because there was relatively little time until the next season, “it would be prudent” to use the remainder of this year and early next year to further evaluate the” full potential of all options before final confirmation.”

This will include multiple tests of the Halo system in practice sessions this season and the first part of the 2017 season.

While the system is currently the preferred option, the Strategy Group thought that another year of development could result in an “even more complete solution.”