Against the halo? Watch this video and think again...

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Detractors of the 'halo' were a very vocal majority when the FIA announced its decision to impose the cockpit safety device in F1 from next season.

We won't run once again through its pros and cons but will rather submit to your judgment a video from last night's IndyCar race at Gateway Motorsport Park.

Poleman Will Power spun just a few hundred yards after the race was launched and hit the wall. The crash triggered a bit of panic in the thick of the pack.

The cars of Ed Carpenter and Takuma Sato touched as they tried to avoid the helpless Power, sending both men into the wall as well.

The video clearly shows a very fortunate Will Power being almost hit over the head by an out-of-control Carpenter.

It was likely - and luckily - only a few inches of margin which prevented a major tragedy last night.

Motorsport purists will argue that the sport will always retain an element of risk and that the trade-off between the halo's protective presence and the altering of F1's aesthetics isn't warranted.

Like it or not, it's hard to argue against the halo when one looks at this crash.

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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.