Mercedes is set to run the Halo cockpit protection device on Nico Rosberg’s W07 in free practice at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, according to Motorsport.com.
Despite the FIA pushing to launch the system as early as 2017, Formula One’s Strategy Group eventually voted against its introduction for next year, though it unanimously agreed to have a form of front cockpit protection by 2018.
Following concern over the lack of testing with Halo - only Ferrari and Red Bull have trialled it for a total of four installation laps - the sport’s governing body wants all drivers to have at least one practice session with the device on their car before the end of the 2016 season.
The report says the FIA is especially anxious to hear Rosberg’s feedback on visibility while travelling through Spa-Francorchamps' Eau Rouge, a corner seen as potentially critical in that realm due to its high gradient change.
From Ferrari’s very first Halo test, Rosberg has been openly in favour of the device and admitted to being "disappointed" by the Strategy Group’s decision to delay its introduction for 2017.
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