Whilst Formula 1 and other FIA championships have committed to the Halo, IndyCar has repeatedly said that it wouldn’t be adopting it because it’s not suitable for the series and would probably obscure a driver’s vision too badly on ovals.
Determined to do better, and given that head protection in IndyCar is vital following the deaths of Justin Wilson and Dan Wheldon, for more than a year the series has been working on this windscreen solution with chassis manufacturer Dallara.
F1 did try a couple of windscreen solutions, but Red Bull’s aeroscreen idea wasn’t deemed strong enough and when Sebastian Vettel tried the ‘Shield’ last year, he only drove a lap before complaining that it made him feel dizzy.
Those are both issues which IndyCar say it’s solved, however, though it’s going to continue testing both on and off track, and in different weather and light conditions.
I know it’s not the most important thing but it looks a whole lot better than the Halo, right?!
The first on-track test will take place at the Phoenix oval on 8 February, though exactly when the windscreens will debut in races hasn’t been announced yet.
