IndyCar has confirmed that the Advanced Frontal Protection (AFP) device will be used immediately from the next race on the calendar.
The device was tested during the open season test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway earlier this week, as IndyCar moves to introduce cockpit protection.
The IndyCar Grand Prix at Indianapolis will see the AFP debris deflector in use. Racing series around the world have been introducing head protection over the last coupleof years, with the most popular device being the 'halo'.
However, IndyCar, which is not sanctioned by the FIA like Formula 1, has opted to go in a different direction.
“Thanks to a phenomenal effort by Dallara and all of the INDYCAR teams, we are ahead of schedule in making this happen,” said INDYCAR President Jay Frye.
The introduction of the device has been described as “phase one of our solution” to improve cockpit safety, while the next phase will be revealed in May.
Arrow Schmidt Peterson's James Hinchcliffe added: "It’s great to see that INDYCAR is always pushing safety.
"Obviously, this is just step one in an evolution of head protection. But having been hit by a piece of debris that would’ve been prevented with this device, I’m all for it.
"It’s also comforting to know that behind the scenes we are still working hard on a more comprehensive solution.”
Replies (2)
Login to replyRam Samartha
Posts: 1,172
Doesn't look like much.
xoya
Posts: 583
What the hell? I had to google it to confirm that this pictured crap is actually it.
This is expected to deflect debris from a driver?
I just can't believe that someone could come up with THIS, show it to all the others and they'd go "yeaaah, this is what we're looking for to protect drivers from death", in a bloody 21st century!