Formula One's Strategy Group has agreed to "give priority" to a new cockpit protection device, known as the Shield, over the previously mooted Halo concept.
The FIA has been pursuing an improvement in cockpit protection ever since the death of IndyCar driver Justin Wilson in 2015, which occurred after the Englishman was struck in the head by a loose piece of debris. Last year the Halo and Aeroscreen were trialled in winter testing and during Friday practice sessions as F1 looked to find an ideal solution.
Both Halo and Aeroscreen divided opinion in the paddock and the introduction of either device was pushed back to 2018 by the Strategy Group to give motorsport's governing body more time to weigh up the options.