FIA and IndyCar exchanging data from windscreen test

The hideous F1 Halo

The FIA has said it is exchanging data with IndyCar over their respective head protection solutions and that it is therefore very aware of the new windscreen development IndyCar is currently testing.

Whilst FIA sanctioned series, such as Formula 1, Formula E and Formula 2, will adopt the halo this year, IndyCar is trialling a windscreen it hopes to introduce in 2019 – the latter is similar in design to the shield and aeroscreen F1 tested before deciding to go with the halo.

Speaking to Racer Magazine, FIA safety delegate Laurent Mekies admitted the FIA was following the windscreen test with interest and said the two bodies regularly exchange data on new safety developments, meaning the FIA is fully aware of how the windscreen is performing.

The much better looking IndyCar Windscreen

"Of course we have seen it," said Mekies. "As far as safety is concerned we work closely with all other motorsport stakeholders. Four times a year during our research working group we meet with all the key players for safety research. So we meet with IndyCar, we meet with NASCAR, we meet with the guys in V8 Supercars in Australia.

"They know exactly what we've done in the genesis of the halo and we know that they have been pursuing to explore the route of a screen.

A proper Open Wheel race car with a proper driver canopy

"So the exchange does work, I think it's quite clear today what the advantages and the downsides are of the [two] solutions. It's very good that IndyCar is putting some energy in trying to develop solutions and maybe it can complement the work we're doing one day."

The two screens the FIA trialled both caused some distortion, whilst rain and oil spray could also pose a problem. IndyCar's solution seems to have solved the distortion issue by increasing the angle of the screen, but rain and oil spray could remain an issue.