IndyCar to introduce Aeroscreen in 2020

The NTT IndyCar Series has confirmed it will introduce the 'Aeroscreen' cockpit protection designed by Red Bull Advanced Technologies for the 2020 season.

IndyCar has been evaluating a number of cockpit protection options in recent years as part of a global push in motorsport to raise safety standards, with Formula 1 and its junior series adopting the Halo from 2018.

In an announcement made on Friday, INDYCAR confirmed the Aeroscreen would become mandatory for all cars starting next season, with on-track testing set to begin in the summer before delivery to all teams by autumn.

"The enhanced driver safety technology is designed to reduce the risk of injury from flying debris or other objects striking the cockpit area. It consists of a wraparound ballistic screen anchored to the car’s cockpit by a titanium framework," a statement reads.

"When fitted, the device’s load-bearing capability is expected to be 150 kiloNewtons, equivalent to that of the Halo device currently used in Formula 1.

"Additionally, the laminated polycarbonate screen will include an anti-reflective coating on the interior of the screen, an integrated anti-fogging heating element and possibly tear-offs, all of which will be produced by associated third-party companies.

"Red Bull Advanced Technologies will also work on a further refinement of the system, a cockpit cooling option to be designed in conjunction with Dallara, INDYCAR’s official chassis manufacturer."

Jay Frye, INDYCAR President, said: “This collaborative effort on the Aeroscreen truly exhibits an unrelenting commitment and passion for enhancing driver safety. We would like to thank everyone at Red Bull Advanced Technologies for creating a design that will be significant in the evolution of motorsports safety not only for the NTT IndyCar Series but from a global perspective.”

The Aeroscreen was considered by F1 as a protection option, with a one-off practice trial taking place before the idea was shelved due to negative feedback.

However, Red Bull F1 chief and CEO of Red Bull Advanced Technologies Christian Horner said he was pleased that the device's potential could now be fully explored through IndyCar.

"Since the first prototypes were developed and demonstrated in 2016, the potential of Aeroscreen to improve the safety for drivers in the event of frontal impacts in the cockpit area of cars has been clear," Horner said.

“This new partnership with INDYCAR gives us at Red Bull Advanced Technologies the go-ahead to fully explore that potential, and to deliver a protection system that will help prevent serious injuries and potentially save lives in the US premier single-seater series.

“Over the coming months we’ll be working closely with INDYCAR and its drivers to refine and perfect Aeroscreen and we’re looking forward to seeing the results on the cars in 2020."