F1 delays frontal cockpit shield until 2018

More testing could offer better design to keep out debris.

Frontal cockpit protection will not be introduced for Formula One cars before the 2018 season to allow for more testing, the governing body FIA said Thursday.

A strategy group that includes Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone, six leading teams and FIA President Jean Todt agreed on the move after meeting in Geneva. Drivers, who spoke strongly in favor of the halo system, hoped it would come into force next season.

While drivers generally don’t like the feel of the system, which puts a seethrough capsule around their cockpits, they like the improved safety. It would prevent flying objects from hitting their heads and would provide added protection when cars overturn or when they land on each other.

FIA said that because relatively little time remained until the 2017 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.”

This will include tests of the halo system in practice sessions. While the halo remains “a strong option,” the strategy group said another year of development could result in an “even more complete solution.”

Speaking before the vote took place, driver Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari said, “I think 90-95 percent of the drivers voted for it. We don’t like the looks of it, but I don’t think there’s anything that really justifies death.”

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