FIA releases first shot of 'Shield' safety device

The FIA has released the first picture of the cockpit safety device which the governing body plans on introducing next season.

Cockpit safety has been at the forefront of the FIA's safety priorities in Formula 1 with several designs trialed in the past two years.

The 'Shield' device will appear for the first time at Silverstone, and as with the initial Halo concept, the device will be put to the task by Ferrari during Friday's first free practice session.

Based on the image supplied by the FIA, which depicts the 'Shield' mounted on a Williams, the design certainly offers better aesthetics than the Halo or Red Bull's Aeroscreen, but driver feed back will be paramount.

There's no doubt the device offers proper debris protection and deflection potential, but how will it fare in terms of visibility, especially under specific conditions like rain or fluid soiling?

The FIA says the 'Shield' is still in its development phase, undergoing indoor and outdoor tests monitored by the FIA.

In its release to the media, the sport's governing body the device is "aimed at providing significant protection from debris, while ensuring unrestricted forward vision for the driver."

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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.