FIA working on improved Halo aesthetics and integration

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The FIA is conducting research work on a future version of the Halo cockpit safety device which should improve its aesthetics as well as its chassis integration.

The controversial component has been made mandatory this year in Formula 1 and in several the FIA-sanctioned junior series.

While many believe criticism of the Halo has been overblown and its presence will soon go unnoticed, the governing body is planning on developing its form and structure.

"We have two main objectives," FIA safety delegate Laurent Mekies told RACER.

"One is the central strut, to see if we can have a reduction in thickness for visibility purposes. And secondly a better integration in the car, i.e. better aesthetics ultimately.

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"So that's what we would like to see in stage two."

According to Mekies, certification of the Halo was an arduous task for the FIA last year which entailed the definition of standards and the validation of suppliers.

"So the reality is that the last few months we have been trying to switch from a decision-making point to making it happen.

"So we had to get halo standards published, get halo suppliers certified, get halo suppliers to deliver certified parts, which in the end was an added complexity because not only did we do it for F1 but we did it for F1, F2 and Formula E pretty much in the same timeline.

"Now we are a few months later and the situation is quite good. Halo has been delivered, we have three suppliers now homologated, so we are now going to be able to put a bit more emphasis on the research on stage two."

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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.