2024 was a tough year for 20-year-old Roman Bilinski. However, the Polish-British driver came back from a shocking spinal injury during his FRECA campaign with a fighting spirit and a desire to prove himself in the Formula 3 2025 season.
Short but Sweet Racing History
At age 12, Bilinski became the Rissington Honda Cadet Champion before earning the Nigel Mansell Trophy for most promising driver in 2017. Since then he has participated in a variety of single seater championships including multiple seasons in FRECA. The start of the 2024 season proved to be a hugely successful time for Bilinski as he was crowned the 2024 FR Oceania Champion. He finished his championship season with six wins, five pole positions, six fastest laps and 12 podiums from a total of 15 races.
A Shocking Turn of Events
Fresh off his FR Oceania Championship, Bilinski’s FRECA campaign was looking like it was heading in a similar direction. He took 9th and 11th in the Hockenheim races before claiming pole position in a wet qualifying in Spa-Francorchamps. His pole position then turned into a successful second-place podium in race one.
Unfortunately, in June of 2024, Bilinski was involved in a shocking road accident near the base of his team, Trident Motorsport. In the aftermath of the accident, he was left with two broken vertebrae. He then had to undergo surgery which put six screws in his back. The incident heavily limited his ability to walk, let alone continue to race in FRECA.
However, after three months of hard-fought recovery, Bilinski made his return to FRECA in Imola where he finished both races in ninth and seventh. He then went on to finish the season with 52 points and 14th in the standing, which was his highest ranking in FRECA to date, despite missing out on multiple races.
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Post-Season F3 Testing
At the end of the 2024 F3 season, Bilinski was able to take part in the post-season testing days at Jerez with Rodin Motorsport. His day one outing produced fine results with Bilinski finishing in 4th and 9th in the morning and afternoon sessions, respectively. Whilst testing provided an amazing opportunity for the youngsters to get a feel of the F3 car, 2025 will be a whole new challenge as the new cars get introduced for this upcoming season.
Return to Rodin
After many years with Trident Motorsport, Bilinski will be rejoining Rodin Motorsport for his rookie F3 season. Bilinski raced with Rodin back in 2021 during his British F4 campaign where he finished 17th and secured a third-place podium in only four rounds. Speaking to Formula 3 Media, Bilinski spoke about his excitement to be returning back to his old team.
“Working with Rodin is incredible, and I feel at home already. I was with the team three years ago for a short amount of time, so I know the team, and it was like coming home really, so I’m very happy.”
It is an exciting time for Roman Bilinski as he makes the leap to Formula 3 in 2025. With teammates Callum Voisin and Louis Sharp, who are both GB3 Champions, Bilinski will be looking to make a good impression. And with the new cars coming into play, this year is his best chance to make it happen. Although, looking forward to the first few rounds it will be a challenge for Bilinski as he starts his F3 campaign at 2 new circuits, Albert Park and Bahrain International Circuit. However, after battling back from a tough injury in 2024, there is no doubt that Roman Bilinski is up for the challenge.
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Feature Image Credit: Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine Media Centre