Alonso echoes Magnussen's 'Halo' fire fears

Oct.2 - Fernando Alonso has backed Kevin Magnussen's doubts about the safety of the 'Halo' cockpit protection system in the event of fire.

Magnussen suffered a fuel leak and fire in the Sepang pitlane during practice, and because the flames were behind him, he leapt from the car within seconds from the front of the cockpit.

With 'Halo' - the debris-protective cockpit device being tested for a possible introduction in 2018 - Magnussen's escape may have been slowed.

GPDA director Alex Wurz, however, played down Magnussen's fears, but now Alonso has issued some comments that appear to echo the concern about Halo.

"When I tried Halo in Singapore, getting out of the car was slightly uncomfortable," Alonso said.

"It was one of the things that I noticed. It is not clear where to put your feet when you go to jump out.

"With long legs like Jenson it would be easier, but for people like me and Felipe and a few other drivers there will be difficulties," the McLaren driver added.

"So I think it's good that the introduction of this system is delayed, because it is necessary to examine everything and consider all of the possible consequences.

"There may be ways to make the system better and removed quickly, so that we are able to leave the car a little faster," Alonso said.

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