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Alonso says Halo extraction needs improving

Fernando Alonso believes the Halo cockpit protection system needs more work before it can be introduced in F1, as he reckons it is too hard to get in and out of the car.

Fernando Alonso, McLaren MP4-31 with the Halo cockpit cover
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 W07 Hybrid with the Halo cockpit cover
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 W07 Hybrid with the Halo cockpit cover
Nico Hulkenberg, Sahara Force India F1 VJM09 with the Halo cockpit cover
Sergio Perez, Sahara Force India F1 VJM09 with the Halo cockpit cover
Fernando Alonso, McLaren MP4-31 with the Halo cockpit cover

Both McLaren driver Alonso and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton tested the device for the first time in first practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday.

The Spaniard admitted he felt visibility was reduced with the Halo attached to the car, but reckons drivers will get used to it.

Alonso said, however, that extraction times need to be improved.

"It's pretty hard to get in and out, that's the first impression that I got," said Alonso after practice.

"As far as visibility, it's reduced. I guess you get used to it. I remember when the noses got higher and visibility got much worse, but after two or three years you get used to it and you don't notice it.

"So when Halo is introduced there'll be a small impact in terms of visibility but I think there's still work to do in terms of design.

"Getting in and out needs to improve somehow, also for the mechanics to be able to fasten the seat belts. I think there are things to look at."

Hamilton would run it now

Hamilton, who was one of the biggest detractors of Halo early on, said he was ready to race with it right now if he could.

"Apart from getting in, which is a lot different, I don't really notice much difference," he said.

"It was blocking a little bit the view of my mirrors, looking backwards, but otherwise I don't even notice it.

"I could run it this weekend no problem, if they allowed it."

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