Formula 1 is "set to abandon plans for a 'halo' head protection system in favor of a transparent screen" that could be introduced for '18, according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. The FIA announced the development "following a meeting of the sport's core Strategy Group in Paris on Tuesday ahead of this weekend's Russian Grand Prix." In a statement, the FIA said, "A number of more integrated solutions for additional frontal protection have been studied, and the decision has been taken to give priority to the transparent ‘shield’ family of systems." The "halo" cockpit protection device, which is fixed at three points including a central pillar in front of the driver that supports a protective loop above his head, was "extensively tested last season with a mixed response" (REUTERS, 4/26). The BBC's Andrew Benson reported a new screen system, known as the shield, has "now been proposed with a shallower angle than on the aeroscreen." This is the device that will be tested this year. The FIA tests will "focus firstly on ensuring that the screen is strong enough to deflect" a wheel and tire fired at it at 150mph, and then on "whether there are other major issues such as visibility." The halo has passed all these tests and is ready for introduction, but F1 "already backtracked on a plan to introduce it this year and continues to vacillate over it" (BBC, 4/25). RACER's Chris Medland reported as a result of feedback on this season's cars, the FIA also announced it has been agreed to make changes to next year's regulations around the engine cover, with the intention "that designs incorporating the 'T-wing' and 'shark fin' will be strictly limited." It was also agreed that races "will be resumed from a standing start after a red-flag period." All of the changes "need to be approved by the World Motor Sport Council" (RACER, 4/25).
