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.

GALLERY: F1 drivers on summer break

How Eric Boullier keeps McLaren on its toes

Pascal Wehrlein interview: The rookie who wants to lead

F1i Classic - Mayhem, monsoon and the mother of all Belgian Grand Prix

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Tech F1i: A look at the F1 teams' array of upgrades at Zandvoort

Formula 1 returns from its summer break with the competitive order still finely poised, and…

39 minutes ago

Alonso offers no timeline on Aston Martin F1 future

While Williams and Red Bull provided clarity this week on their line-ups for 2027 and…

2 hours ago

Dutch GP: Antonelli edges Norris in single practice session

Kimi Antonelli wasted no time reminding Formula 1 why he leads the championship as the…

3 hours ago

Dutch Grand Prix Free Practice 1 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 1 for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, round 12…

3 hours ago

Herbert miraculously survives to race another day

On this day in 1988, a horrendous crash at Brands Hatch practically ended Johnny Herbert's…

4 hours ago

Lawson focused on ‘enjoying’ Red Bull stint, but ‘it will be tough’

Liam Lawson has been thrust back into a Red Bull cockpit for this weekend’s Dutch…

5 hours ago