Ferrari bringing Halo 2 to Austria

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Ferrari is set to introduce an updated and revised version of its 'Halo' cockpit safety device in Austria, and is planning on running it during Friday morning's free practice session.

At present Ferrari plans to carry out an installation lap with a car fitted with the updated device - expected to be smaller and made from titanium - although it may simply conduct static tests under the watchful eye of the FIA's safety representative.

The governing body is still in the process of evaluating the specifics and efficiency of the device, and has promised teams that it will announce in early July whether it will be mandatory on all F1 cars in 2017.

Currently, the FIA is centering its studies around Ferrari's 'Halo' concept rather than Red Bull's 'Aeroscreen' approach, the development of which has been put on the back burner for now.

Laurent Mekies, from the FIA Institute, said that Red Bull's concept had not been outright rejected, but that the 'Halo' currently has the body's preference as it has chosen to focus on a single device for scheduling and work task reasons.

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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.