Ferrari will initially carry out static tests for their revised halo cockpit protection system, followed by Sebastian Vettel completing an installation lap with the updated design at the beginning of the first practice session on Friday morning.
The static tests will include “extrication”, to see how quickly the driver can exit the car in the event of an emergency with the halo fitted – which remains a very viable concern.
Despite many siding with Red Bull’s aeroscreen solution in the past, the halo design will be the one implemented on all cars once the 2017 season kicks off.
The new halo (or “halo 2”) is built out of titanium, which means it’s much lighter than the original, and overall more refined in terms of its structure.
According to Autosport, there will be yet another update coming after this one, meaning that we’re still a long way away from looking at a finalized design. Also, the FIA is set to confirm the mandatory introduction of the system on all cars starting with 2017, at a Technical Regulation Meeting scheduled for next week.
Testing the system in Austria will mark the second time Ferrari has trialed this technology on the track, the first being during pre-season testing at Barcelona in February.
Note: Original Halo design pictured
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