Red Bull F1 team could trial canopy cockpit system at Russian GP

Red Bull may trial its Formula 1 cockpit protection device at some point over the Russian Grand Prix weekend, according to team principal Christian Horner

The team has developed a system it believes is a far more elegant solution, and more in keeping with F1, than the halo device seen on the Ferraris during pre-season testing.

Initially Horner had suggested his team's design would likely make its debut at a demonstration event later this month, but the team is now considering giving it a more high-profile airing during the Sochi F1 event should a test next week prove successful.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Horner said: "We're going to test the canopy solution over the next week - static testing.

"So we're going to fire a wheel at it on a plinth to see how it withstands it, and if that goes OK we may put it on one car very briefly in Sochi.

"We will see how the testing goes over the next week or so."

Grand Prix Drivers' Association chairman Alex Wurz recently told Autosport any device has to prioritise safety over looks.

Horner feels his team's system ticks both boxes, adding: "I think the canopy offers a bit more protection because it does have a windscreen. It's a more elegant solution.

"We believe there's better visibility and it's a more elegant solution to the brief, rather than the boomerang thing that is the halo."

The FIA has made it a priority a cockpit protection solution is found and on all cars for 2017.