Rafael Villagomez has been announced as Van Amersfoort Racing’s second driver for the 2022 F3 season.
Villagomez first joined F3 last season with HWA Racelab and endured a disappointing rookie season as he finished 29th overall with zero points, despite achieving a best finish of 13th in Dutch Race Two at Zandvoort.
The Mexican though will remain in F3 this season despite HWA Racelab’s exit as he joins their replacement, Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR), of whom he has previous experience after driving for the Dutch team in EuroFormula last season where he finished eighth overall.
VAR have confirmed that Villagomez will focus solely on his F3 duties this season rather than mount a duel campaign across different racing categories.
Speaking about his 2021 season and his ambitions for 2022, Villagomez said: “Last year was certainly a learning year for me, which I knew it would be. The move up from Formula 4 to FIA F3 was a big step, but I enjoyed every minute of it.
“Now I feel ready to compete at a higher level and aim for points and podium finishes. Having raced with them in Euroformula Open last year, I know Van Amersfoort Racing very well.
“It gives me great confidence to have them at my side, especially since I know how dedicated they are towards this program!”
VAR CEO, Rob Niessink meanwhile is delighted to retain Villagomez as the 20 year-old prepares for his second season in F3, providing the team with much needed experience for their inaugural F3 campaign.
Reflecting on their bond with Villagomez from 2021 EuroFormula campaign and moving forward, Niessink added: “It is always great to be able to progress with a driver into a second year.
“Both driver and crew have grown close together during the season and despite Rafael moving up to another category within VAR, we know him well and he knows our way of working through and through. Rafael faced a steep learning curve last year, something that was anticipated.”
Niessink also explained what VAR will be expecting from Villagomez this season as he continued: “For the upcoming season his approach is certainly focused on scoring points and finishing on the podium.
“Besides the fact that our crew fully supports Rafael in every step he makes this season, he also brings along valuable F3 experience gathered last year.
“Clearly we are thrilled to get this journey started and are looking forward to pre-season testing at Bahrain early March!”
Villagomez will partner Reece Ushijima who was confirmed as VAR’s first driver signing yesterday (27 January), with just one seat left to fill at the Dutch outfit.
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