Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, is set to finally decide which head protection device; the Halo or Aeroscreen, will become mandatory in 2017 with a meeting to discuss the matter scheduled for the Friday before the Monaco Grand Prix.
The Halo emerged as the preferred option, but that was before Red Bull debuted its Aeroscreen canopy during FP1 in Russia. Now it's believed the FIA is leaning toward the latter solution as not only does it provide the same level of safety as the Halo, but it is visually more appealing.
However the decision hangs on whether Red Bull and the FIA can find viable solutions to a few key issues; a suitable anti-glare coating for the inside and a liquid-repelling coating for the outside.
But a third option has now emerged which could become the favoured option. Based on the Halo tested by Ferrari during pre-season testing, it's believed the third option is more refined, lighter and possibly removeable – which would aid extrication of drivers in an accident.
The matter is due to be discussed in detail on Friday and Williams' Pat Symonds says it is vital that a decision is made.
"We are already extremely late with a detail that will have a serious impact on the design of the car," Symonds said.
"There is going to be a TRM [Technical Regulations Meeting] in Monaco on Friday and Charlie [Whiting] assures us that we are going to know pretty well where we are by then.
"There is a second Halo device now that is a bit different to the one that Ferrari ran here in the [pre-season] test. So we will see what Monaco brings."
It's believed the third option could be trialled during FP1, whilst Red Bull have confirmed they will test their Aeroscreen once again.
