Still Controversial, F1 Pursuing Two New Versions of AFP
Still Controversial, F1 Pursuing Two New Versions of AFP
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LONDON - Formula 1 (F1) is pursuing two new versions of driver head protection as moves continue to introduce a system in time for the 2018 season.
One device which called the controversial 'halo' had been on schedule for this year but its introduction was delayed last summer following claims it needed more research.
There have been complaints that the 'halo' has a number of different problems. Two different versions of a transparent frontal screen will now be developed in an attempt to avoid the halo's compromises.
One is a development of the so-called 'aeroscreen' - a transparent material attached to a metal hoop - tried by Red Bull last year but abandoned after it failed the official tests that had been passed by the halo. Another is a device made only of a transparent material, similar to the front half of a jet-fighter's cockpit.
Governing body the FIA has given itself a deadline of the end of April to take these as far as possible before they are discussed with the teams.
From the start of May, a unanimous agreement of the teams is needed for any rule changes. FIA has the right to impose any rule on the basis of safety, but president Jean Todt does not want to take this approach with what has become known as additional frontal protection (AFP).
One device which called the controversial 'halo' had been on schedule for this year but its introduction was delayed last summer following claims it needed more research.
There have been complaints that the 'halo' has a number of different problems. Two different versions of a transparent frontal screen will now be developed in an attempt to avoid the halo's compromises.
One is a development of the so-called 'aeroscreen' - a transparent material attached to a metal hoop - tried by Red Bull last year but abandoned after it failed the official tests that had been passed by the halo. Another is a device made only of a transparent material, similar to the front half of a jet-fighter's cockpit.
Governing body the FIA has given itself a deadline of the end of April to take these as far as possible before they are discussed with the teams.
From the start of May, a unanimous agreement of the teams is needed for any rule changes. FIA has the right to impose any rule on the basis of safety, but president Jean Todt does not want to take this approach with what has become known as additional frontal protection (AFP).
(rnz)
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