IndyCar introduces new cockpit safety device for 2019

IndyCar has pushed through plans introduce a new cockpit protection device - dubbed the Advanced Frontal Protection - this year, making its official debut at the Indianapolis 500. 

The three-inch tall, 0.750-inch wide titanium structure will be positioned in front of the cockpit, along the chassis centreline. It has passed the same strength tests as Dallara’s roll hoop and marks the latest push for increased protection for drivers in the series. 

Following real-life on-track testing and simulator running of early AFP versions, the device will be used for the first time by all teams participating in the open test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval on April 24. 

It will then appear for the first time in a race environment on all cars entered into May’s 103rd running of the Indy 500, before being retained for the rest of the 2019 season. 

“Safety is a never-ending pursuit, and this is INDYCAR's latest step in the evolution," INDYCAR President Jay Frye said. 

"There are more details to come about the phases to follow."

IndyCar has previously considered a windscreen and the Halo device which features in Formula 1, but after encountering stumbling blocks for both it now sees AFP as the better option to provide the best deflection from flying debris. 

Cockpit protection has been explored by IndyCar following the introduction of similar devices in other motorsport categories to avoid a repeat of incidents like Justin Wilson’s. 

The British driver was fatally injured when he was struck on the helmet by a large piece of debris during a race at Pocono in 2016.