Dramatic final laps decide pole for 2026 F2 opener
In a qualifying session that kept us on the edge of our seats until the checkered flag, Dino Beganovic grabbed the top starting spot for DAMS Lucas Oil on the final attempt. His late push produced a best time of 1:28.695, sealing the first Aramco Pole Position Award of 2026 and signaling DAMS’ readiness to start the season strong.
Why this mattered
- A nail-biter finish: The pole battle shifted several times in the closing moments, underscoring how sensitive track conditions and tire management are in Formula 2 sprint-like formats. Beganovic’s late improvement wasn’t just a number; it demonstrated exceptional focus under pressure and the ability to squeeze every ounce of performance from a fresh set of tyres when it counted.
- DAMS’ momentum: Securing pole via a bold final lap reinforces the team’s intent to be competitive across the weekend. In a field where small margins decide starting positions, this pole could translate into strategic advantages for the DAMS squad during both the Sprint and Feature races.
A shifting leaderboard
Beganovic had set the early pace with a 1:29.953, briefly placing him ahead of Joshua Duerksen and Rafael Câmara. The order then evolved as Rodin Motorsport’s Martinius Stenshorne claimed provisional pole, only for Nikola Tsolov to drop a quicker lap and move to P1 with 1:29.381. The drama wasn’t finished there.
Turn 12’s hiccup tested nerves
A red flag interrupted the session when Mari Boya crashed into the barriers at Turn 12. Fortunately, Boya emerged safe, but the delay altered the rhythm of the session. When drivers returned, the plan shifted again: fresh tyres and a brief window to post improvements, followed by another stoppage caused by Gabriele Minì’s car issue.
Time finally ran out, leaving just three minutes for a final push. In those tight moments, Beganovic seized the moment, surpassing Stenshorne and Dunne—though both had earlier moved to the top—by delivering a decisive 1:28.695. A dramatic finish, with the pole position changing hands in the waning seconds, gave Beganovic and DAMS a bright headline to start the season.
A snapshot of the grid
- Beganovic (DAMS Lucas Oil): P1 with 1:28.695
- Martinius Stenshorne (Rodin Motorsport): P2
- Alexander Dunne (Rodin Motorsport): P3
- Noel León: P4
- Nikola Tsolov: P5
- Rafael Câmara (Invicta Racing): P6
- Kush Maini: P7
- Oliver Goethe: P8
- Joshua Duerksen: P9
- Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak: P10
What this signals for the weekend
The pole position is more than a single lap victory; it’s a strategic asset that can influence race tactics, tyre choices, and how aggressively teams choose to push from the start. Beganovic’s performance sets an encouraging tone for DAMS Lucas Oil, suggesting they’ve found a rhythm that could translate into strong early-race positions and potential podiums.
Looking ahead
The 2026 season opener also includes a Sprint Race scheduled for 14:10 local time. With the grid now shaped by this pole, fans can expect early fireworks as drivers jostle for position and attempt to convert qualifying pace into race pace. The coming sessions will reveal how well the pole sitter can convert pace into strategy, and how the rest of the top ten leverage the window of opportunity that a single stellar lap can create.
Personal take
What stands out is the precision required to execute in the closing minutes of Q3. Beganovic’s win wasn’t just about speed; it was about timing, tire discipline, and staying calm under pressure when every other driver is pushing to their limit. In my view, this kind of performance highlights the evolving dynamics of junior formula championships, where a single lap can shape the weekend’s story and elevate a driver’s confidence for the rest of the season.
