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Spielberg (Austria) (AFP)

A new cockpit head protection system will be tested for the first time during next week's British Grand Prix, Formula One chiefs announced on Saturday.

Governing body the FIA are weighing up the merits of installing a "shield" or "halo" on the front of cars for next year.

"In an effort to get initial feedback from drivers at the earliest possible stage of development, a short track will be conducted at next weekend's British Grand Prix, in the first free practice session. The test will be conducted with Ferrari," the FIA said in a statement.

A first model of the shield, which encircles the cockpit from three sides -- front, left and right -- has been unveiled but the FIA said they are "currently working with teams in Formula One on further defining its geometry".

"A transparent open canopy system constructed using polycarbonate, the Shield is aimed at providing significant protection from debris, while ensuring unrestricted forward vision for the driver," the FIA added.

A full test will be conducted at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza in early September.

"A number of indoor and outdoor tests are currently being conducted and the Federation's target is to carry out a first full track test at Monza," added the FIA, who want the system to be in place by 2018.

© 2017 AFP