FIA confirm cockpit shield track tests as they look to 2018 Formula One campaign

25 April 2017 07:39

Governing body t he FIA has confirmed it will carry out track tests of the cockpit shield protection system ahead of implementation for the 2018 Formula One campaign.

A meeting of the F1 Strategy Group and F1 Commission took place in Paris on Tuesday, which saw all members attend, including for the first time new chief executive of the Formula One Group Chase Carey, as well as FIA president Jean Todt.

The FIA remain determined to improve driver safety, with the new shield concept having been presented to drivers before the Chinese Grand Prix following on from feedback over another potential 'halo' solution, particularly regarding aesthetics .

A statement from the FIA read: " 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 FIA aims to carry out track tests of this system during this season in preparation for implementation in 2018."

Among the other listed "s porting and technical changes", which will now be passed onto the World Motor Sport Council for approval, include restricting the 'shark fins' and 'T-wings' over the engine cover to a box as well as m easures taken to ensure that oil will not be used as fuel.

The FIA added that Pirelli are to develop 2018 wet-weather tyre compounds using previous specifications of cars and wheel dimensions, while i n the event of a red flag period, the race will be resumed from a standing start.

It was also confirmed representatives from the 'non-member teams' such as Force India and Sauber have now be invited to meetings of the F1 Strategy Group, which demonstrates "the effective commitment of both the FIA and the Commercial Rights Holder to improve transparency in the sport."

Source: PA