Advanced frontal protection will be introduced at the Indianapolis GP

At the heart of the efforts of the management of IndyCar Series to improve driver safety, the cockpit protection of the DW12 single-seaters will be improved from the next Indianapolis Grand Prix on May 11 for the road race which will precede the big 500-mile event on May 26.

The Advanced Frontal Protection (AFP), or Advanced Frontal Protection, a titanium deflector placed upstream of the pilot's cockpit, will be installed in order to deflect potential debris coming from the front.

The device was tested during testing in Indianapolis earlier this week. “With the supports and a reinforcement of the monocoque, the AFP weighs just under 2,5 kg and passed the same load tests as the protection behind and above the rider. » specify the IndyCar Series.

“Clearly, this is just the first step in an evolution of protection for our heads, comments James Hinchcliffe, SPM pilot, who was able to test the AFP last Wednesday.

But after being hit by debris that could have been avoided with this device, I am for it. It's also comforting to know that behind the scenes we are still working towards a more comprehensive solution. »

IndyCar had already tested a system last year close to the old Aeroscreen of Red Bull en F1, called WindScreen and released by Scott Dixon. The American championship had not yet followed up on these tests.