Whiting not in favour of 'active' cockpit safety system

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During last week's F1 Strategy Group talks in Geneva, teams apparently discussed the introduction of an 'active' cockpit safety system as an alternative to the currently envisaged Halo concept.

The system would rely on cutting-edge detection technology to trigger a cockpit protection component which would pop out and protect the cockpit environment and the driver from impact or from an incoming object.

FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting did not view the concept as practical however.

"I've seen it – someone has sent me one of these designs - but I think it would be wholly impractical to be honest," he said.

"I cannot see how you can deploy it in the right amount of time.  I think the inventor, if we can call it that, misunderstands...

"A driver is not going to see something coming and think 'oh my goodness, I better push that button'. Honestly I don't think that is feasible."

F1's governing body has scrapped its plan to introduce a cockpit protection device - be it the halo or aeroscreen concept  - for the 2017 season following its rejection by the top six teams at last week's meeting in Geneva.

The FIA said that "it would be prudent to use the remainder of this year and early next year to further evaluate the full potential of all options before final confirmation."

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