Halo decision has been rushed - Fernley

The FIA has chosen the halo design over Red Bull's aeroscreen because the time constraints to get it incorporated into 2017 cars designs is running short.

A modified version of the halo - first seen on the Ferrari during pre-season testing - is scheduled for further safety testing and should it pass, the design will be formally approved in July.

But Force India deputy team principal Fernley told Autosport: "I believe that we should evaluate it fully and that if there are doubts that it doesn't deal with all issues - and I don't believe the halo does - then we shouldn't rush into doing something.

"In my view it's much better that you do the full evaluation and then come in with a solution that you're completely satisfied with.

"There are gaps. Gaps that springs go through, or manhole covers. So why are you sure that that is the right solution?

"We could bring it in for '18, having done a full evaluation of the process and that would still meet all the needs of the safety requirements.

"I just don't see the massive need to be that urgent with what we're doing with it but that's only my opinion."

Nico Rosberg has backed the decision to introduce the halo.

"We had another event on Thursday with the drain, and the halo can help in such instances I would expect, so we have another example where it could be very beneficial," said the Mercedes driver.

"It's the right way to go."

His team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who is not in favour of such a device, added: "If the rule changes, the rule changes. We're all in the same boat."

Renault's Kevin Magnussen prefers the aeroscreen but said something needs to be done on the basis of safety.

"The aeroscreen looks better than the halo," he said.

"I hope [the halo] looks better than we saw in testing.

"In Formula 1 things need to look sexy, but we can't not do what has to be done for safety.

"It's a difficult one because I don't really want it, but I don't want to die and I don't want anyone else to die."

McLaren duo Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button said they back whatever decision the FIA has made.

"It's difficult to comment without trying it," Alonso said. "If they chose that one, it is because they saw some advantage over the other solutions.

"I agree with that. Hopefully we can try it soon."

Button added: "We have to trust the FIA. In terms of safety, it's the only area of the car which really needs a good upgrade as we've seen many times.

"I trust in the FIA and so long as it doesn't make us all go cross-eyed, I'm all for it."