The FIA has revealed the first official image of the new Shield cockpit protection set to be tested at next weekend's British Grand Prix.

The design, reminiscent of the Aeroscreen Red Bull trialled at last year's Russian Grand Prix, is now the favoured option of Formula 1's governing body as it is deemed better looking than the Halo that was widely tested last year.

Extraction is also believed to be easier for a driver in case of emergency and visibility, at least in dry conditions is also believed to be improved, though obvious concerns about rain, oil and other possible factors that could impair vision are being made.

Several versions of the Shield are believed to be in development with a first to be tested by Ferrari during Practice 1 next Friday at Silverstone, almost two months earlier than initial hopes for a first evaluation.

It is part of a drive by the FIA to introduce some kind of cockpit protection for 2018, with the Halo still believed to be on standby if the Shield is deemed insufficient.