FIA Says Cockpit Protection In F1 Won't Be Introduced Before '18, To Allow More Testing

FIA said that frontal cockpit protection "will not be introduced for Formula One cars before the 2018 season, to allow for more testing," according to Nesha Starcevic of the AP. The F1 Strategy Group that includes F1 CEO 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" (AP, 7/28).