Bilinski: DAMS pace ‘really strong’ as he targets rebound from Miami

It has not been the start to 2026 that Roman Bilinski had hoped for, but the DAMS Lucas Oil driver is looking at the positives after two rounds of racing.

The Polish driver was unfortunate to not take the start in Miami’s Feature Race due to a technical issue ahead of lights out, but showcased impressive pace in Saturday’s Sprint, coming through from 21st on the grid to 14th.

Reflecting on the start to the season, Bilinski underlined that teammate Dino Beganovic has been able to demonstrate a truer performance level of the team, one he believes he can match sooner rather than later.

“I think we have a strong package behind us, as Dino has showed in Qualifying,” Bilinski explained. “I need to close the gap, which I believe can happen soon.

“The race pace is something that's really strong. The Sprint Race I came from the back to get into the points in Melbourne. We're going to go through those highs and lows, that’s part of racing. I can just keep bouncing back, improving, and doing our best each time we're in the car.

“Dino is an experienced team-mate. He's driven the Formula 1 cars. He's in his second year in F2. So, it's really helpful, and you can appreciate how he's been carrying the feedback and everything. His driving is really good.

“I'm just trying to learn as much as I can from that. I put that into practise for my own benefit.”

Miami was the first of two rounds that are completely new for the teams and drivers, with Round 3 in Montreal another adventure into the unknown for everyone in terms of experience.

READ MORE

• WEEKEND ANALYSIS: The similarities and differences between Tsolov and Minì’s Miami victories
• WHAT WE LEARNED: Some of the key storylines from Round 2 in Miami

Bilinski says that this is a benefit to the rookies, as there is no prior knowledge for the more experienced drivers to fall back on.

He added that it was a huge opportunity to make an impact, but beyond that, things like preparation will not change.

“It's quite interesting to go to somewhere new. I think it's good also for the rookies. I think it brings the other drivers a bit closer, and it can make it quite an interesting weekend.

“These two weekends, everyone's entering on the same footing in terms of experience. I would say it brings a second and third, and I think it's even a fourth-year driver a bit closer to us rookies, which definitely helps with it being a new track, but they still have experience of F2 in general.

“The preparation is always the same anyway. We don't need to change anything with the simulator, working with the team, everything like this. So, in terms of that, it's all pretty standard.”

With Montreal kicking off a slate of five race weekends within seven weeks, Bilinski says that it’s a crucial phase of the season.

The target of maximising performances each and every round will not change according to the Polish driver, who says that it’s a great time to hit form as the Championship hurtles towards the halfway stage.

“I hope to really enjoy it. I think this is a unique and incredible opportunity for all of us. But, the most important thing for me is the performance. Every time I get in the car, I just want to do my best, keep learning, improving, and we'll see where we are after a couple of rounds.”