Ericsson 'curious' to get first taste of Halo

Sauber driver Marcus Ericsson says he is “curious” to sample the Halo cockpit protection device for the first time in free practice at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Although the system will not be introduced in 2017, Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, wants all drivers to have at least one session with the Halo in order to collect their feedback and continue to work towards having a form of “frontal cockpit protection for F1 cars” from 2018.

Most drivers, including Ericsson’s team-mate Felipe Nasr, have tested the device at least once by now, and the Swede is bound to join the club at Interlagos.

“I will have the chance to test the Halo system for the first time on Friday in FP1,” he confirmed. “I am curious to see how driving feels with it.”

Ericsson and Sauber’s most urgent goal is to open their 2016 tally in order to overhaul Manor for 10th place in the Constructors’ championship and unlock the prize money associated with it.

“It will be an important race weekend for us,” the 26-year-old added. “Of course, our objective is still to score points, so as a team we will do our very best to ensure Felipe and I finish the race in the top ten.

“We will keep working in the right direction, and we all know that we are hunting for the first point.”

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