Alonso puts forward idea of removable 'Halo'

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After watching Kevin Magnussen's frantic exit from his blazing Renault in Malaysia last week, Fernando Alonso believes Formula 1's future 'Halo' cockpit protection device should be removable.

Magnussen's plight immediately brought to mind the difficulties which drivers could be faced with in the event of a sudden need to swiftly exit their car.

Could the 'Halo' device, which is set to be introduced in 2018, actually hamper a driver's escape and deprive him of crucial life saving seconds? Alonso believes so...

"When I tried the halo in Singapore, one of the things I noticed was getting out of the car is a little bit uncomfortable, where you have to put the feet and where you have to jump.

"For this reason they have delayed its introduction just to make sure we cover all of the possibilities.

"Maybe there is a way of making the halo somehow removable in a way we can jump out of the car a little bit quicker."

The FIA has carried out validation tests of the 'Halo' this season with several teams, and while some drivers have criticized the feature's aesthetics, the majority have appeared at least open to the prospect of its mandatory implementation, with perhaps a bit of fine tuning in its form.

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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.