Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsSafety

Red Bull looking to test canopy in Russia

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Red Bull boss Christian Horner has revealed that the team could test for the very first time its cockpit safety protection concept.

The 'canopy' design offers a different approach to cockpit safety that Ferrari's 'halo concept' which the Scuderia tested in Barcelona earlier this year.

"We're going to test the canopy solution over the next week - static testing, so we're going to fire a wheel at in on a plinth to see how that withstands it," Horner told Sky Sports F1.

"Then if that goes okay, we may put it on one car very briefly in Sochi. We will see how the testing goes over the next week or so."

The FIA has ramped up its efforts to introduce cockpit protection measures for 2017, but so far only Ferrari and Red Bull have provided their own tangible designs.

Overall, the F1 driver community appears in favor of some form of protection being introduced, although Force India's Nico Hulkenberg believed the safety measure was both unnecessary and unaesthetic.

"I think the canopy offers a bit more protection because it does have a windscreen," added Horner.

" It's a more elegant solution. We believe there's better visibility and it's a more elegant solution to the brief, rather than the boomerang thing that is the halo."

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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.