Ferrari will trial an updated version of the Halo in Austria on Friday.

The new version, which is understood to be smaller (more aesthetically pleasing for fans?) and made of Titanium, will be trialled on Friday, though it is unclear whether the device will be run on track or merely be used for static tests.

The test, which will be closely monitored by the FIA, comes at a time the sport is looking to finalise plans for its introduction in 2017, the final decision on whether it will be mandatory to be made by the end of next month. Indeed, the forthcoming meeting of the Technical Regulations Working Group at Silverstone to discuss the device should essentially decide the matter.

The future of Red Bull's alternative to the Halo, the Aeroscreen, remains in doubt. Unclear whether the FIA was interested in it or determined to go ahead with the Halo, the Austrian team has stopped work on the project instead preferring to use its resources on its 2017 car.

The Aeroscreen was seen on track in Sochi when Daniel Ricciardo ran with it for one lap during FP1.

Ferrari used a mock-up of the Halo in pre-season testing at Barcelona, and while most feedback has been positive, a number of drivers, most notably Lewis Hamilton, are still against the idea of it being made mandatory.

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