Vettel trials new shield on car to protect Formula 1 drivers

SILVERSTONE, England (AP) Sebastian Vettel drove behind a transparent screen in first practice for the British Grand Prix on Friday, as the Formula One championship leader trialed a new device intended to provide greater head protection.

The polycarbonate shield, placed on Vettel's Ferrari for the first time, is designed to protect against flying debris while offering an unrestricted view.

Motor sport's governing body FIA is looking at ways to improve cockpit protection and limit the risk of head injuries, after French F1 driver Jules Bianchi died in July 2015 and British IndyCar driver Justin Wilson died a month later.

The FIA previously tried out a metal frame known as the ''halo,'' which is intended to stop loose wheels - or other flying debris - hitting a driver's head, but it was criticized by some drivers on aesthetic grounds.