Mercedes' Nico Rosberg backs halo F1 cockpit protection concept
Nico Rosberg has given his seal of approval to Formula 1's new halo cockpit protection system, even though he appreciates it is not visually pleasing at present
Kimi Raikkonen trialled the device on his Ferrari for one lap at the start of the third day of the second pre-season test at Barcelona.
Rosberg caught Raikkonen in action and immediately posted the photo to his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages asking for fans' opinions.
Only 25 per cent gave a positive reaction, with 75 per cent against, but Rosberg is all for it.
"It's a big thing. I just felt like putting it on my Facebook this morning to see what the opinions are out there," said Rosberg.
"My opinion is it really is a massive step in safety because most of the fatalities we've had in racing in the last years.
"This would have saved those people, so it's a huge step, definitely needed.
"OK, visually, you can say it's not quite as good as now, but from some angles, like from the front of Kimi's car, it looked very cool actually.
"With a bit of thinking, it can look cool eventually, so I'm all for it."
ROSBERG WORKS ON SET-UP TWEAKS
On track, following his morning run before team-mate Lewis Hamilton took over in the afternoon, Rosberg completed 81 laps and was fourth quickest, albeit on a set of medium-compound tyres .
The German has confirmed running a different programme from previous days, working from a baseline with his car in order to focus on different set-ups.
"Every day is totally different because we have such a limited amount of days, and we're really pushing to the maximum to use them," said Rosberg.
"Today was especially interesting as I kept everything the same all morning, fuel level, tyres, so I could just change the car to get a really good feeling.
"Every time I was going out with a different set-up just to try and learn about the new car, and with the conditions great as well, it was a really valuable experience."
Rosberg has confirmed to feeling "ready for Melbourne" after conducting a race simulation, but has dismissed suggestions he already has an edge over Hamilton given their laptimes.
"I wouldn't care to say that," said Rosberg.
"It's looking good, yes, and I'm optimistic for the start of the season."
Audi draws a line through possible Formula 1 programme again
FIA might have to reconsider independent F1 engine - Horner
McLaren's Alonso sure some F1 teams will get new rules wrong
McLaren's Alonso sure some F1 teams will get new rules wrong McLaren's Alonso sure some F1 teams will get new rules wrong
Formula 1 peaked in 2000s, not Senna/Prost era, Alonso believes
Formula 1 peaked in 2000s, not Senna/Prost era, Alonso believes Formula 1 peaked in 2000s, not Senna/Prost era, Alonso believes
How Hamilton has battled his own mentality
How Hamilton has battled his own mentality How Hamilton has battled his own mentality
Audi ace Muller explains the factors that helped end DTM win drought
Audi ace Muller explains the factors that helped end DTM win drought Audi ace Muller explains the factors that helped end DTM win drought
Rosberg: Wolff's workload puts me off wanting to be F1 team boss
Rosberg: Wolff's workload puts me off wanting to be F1 team boss Rosberg: Wolff's workload puts me off wanting to be F1 team boss
Why Bottas won't emulate Rosberg to beat Hamilton
Why Bottas won't emulate Rosberg to beat Hamilton Why Bottas won't emulate Rosberg to beat Hamilton
Schumacher: Mercedes F1 test run will help me be even better in sim
Schumacher: Mercedes F1 test run will help me be even better in sim Schumacher: Mercedes F1 test run will help me be even better in sim
Mercedes: Canada a "bigger challenge" than Barcelona for upgraded F1 car
Mercedes: Canada a "bigger challenge" than Barcelona for upgraded F1 car Mercedes: Canada a "bigger challenge" than Barcelona for upgraded F1 car
How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14
How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14 How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14
Schumacher: Mercedes F1 test run will help me be even better in sim
Schumacher: Mercedes F1 test run will help me be even better in sim Schumacher: Mercedes F1 test run will help me be even better in sim
Rossi's Road to Le Mans partner thought WRT offer was a joke
Rossi's Road to Le Mans partner thought WRT offer was a joke Rossi's Road to Le Mans partner thought WRT offer was a joke
Canadian GP at "no risk" from Quebec wildfires, says F1
Canadian GP at "no risk" from Quebec wildfires, says F1 Canadian GP at "no risk" from Quebec wildfires, says F1
Could Le Mans 24 Hours safety car rule changes prompt an LMP2 upset?
Could Le Mans 24 Hours safety car rule changes prompt an LMP2 upset? Could Le Mans 24 Hours safety car rule changes prompt an LMP2 upset?
Why the end of F1’s design divergence is nothing to be sad about
Why the end of F1’s design divergence is nothing to be sad about Why the end of F1’s design divergence is nothing to be sad about
Why Mercedes may be wrong to be so cagey on new F1 expectations
Why Mercedes may be wrong to be so cagey on new F1 expectations Why Mercedes may be wrong to be so cagey on new F1 expectations
Is this F1's most underrated driver of 2023?
Is this F1's most underrated driver of 2023? Is this F1's most underrated driver of 2023?
Spanish Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Spanish Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Spanish Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Why Verstappen's 2023 Spanish GP win wasn't as simple as it looked
Why Verstappen's 2023 Spanish GP win wasn't as simple as it looked Why Verstappen's 2023 Spanish GP win wasn't as simple as it looked
How F1 teams manage the punishing reality of F1’s relentless schedule
How F1 teams manage the punishing reality of F1’s relentless schedule How F1 teams manage the punishing reality of F1’s relentless schedule
The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing
The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing
How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14
How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14 How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.