Aeroscreen now fully deployed in IndyCar

©IndyCar

Just like they did with the halo in F1, purists have frowned upon the 'aeroscreen', the cockpit safety device adopted by IndyCar.

But the head protection system designed and engineered by Red Bull Advanced Technologies was fully deployed this week, with every team running the mandatory component on their cars at IndyCar's first open test of the season which took place at COTA.

"The first on-track test with all 25 cars here at COTA has been very positive," said Andy Damerum, Red Bull Advanced Technologies Commercial Development Officer.

"The Aeroscreen is working well and the driver feedback around visibility in a variety of weather conditions has been excellent so far."

Former F1 driver and 2017 Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato had no complaints to formulate about the aeroscreen which, as a reminder, was originally designed for Formula 1.

"Overall I think it is very positive," commented the Rahal Letterman Lanigan charger.

"I felt really safe and protected and the visibility is better than I expected. The experience was very interesting and quite cool actually but very different from anything I have driven before.

"It was a lot quieter with no air moving inside the cockpit!"

The Japanese driver's RLL teammate Graham Rahal also gave a thumbs up to the novel device despite the rain-impacted test.

"So far, so good," said Rahal. "The Aeroscreen has been no issue. Visibility is great.

"I followed someone through a puddle and actually a ton of water came up on the Aeroscreen and it dissipated immediately. Better than what we would have experienced before this."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.