Rafael Villagomez has graduated with Van Amersfoort Racing into F2 for the 2024 season.
Villagomez has spent the last three seasons racing in F3, firstly with HWA Racelab then Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR) after the Dutch team took over HWA’s race entry.
The 22 year-old Mexican managed to score two points in each of his two seasons for VAR in F3, with a best finish of ninth in the Emilia Romagna Sprint in 2022 before he went on to record a pair of tenth-placed finishes at last year’s season finale in Monza, Italy.
Addressing his decision to step up to F2 after three seasons in F3, Villagomez commented: “I am ready for this next level up. The dynamics coming from an F2 car are overly impressive, but I grew great confidence after a successful post-season test in Abu Dhabi last year.
“The test has proven to both myself and the people around me that F2 is the right category for me to further develop myself as a driver.
“The team and I know each other very well, which will only be of great benefit to all of us. I look very much forward to continuing our journey together and getting the season started.”
VAR CEO, Rob Niessink meanwhile iterated that the team “… always aim for long-term cooperation with our drivers.
“The benefits of such a long-term relationship are extremely valuable and will help Rafael to progress at a high pace, as his experience in F3 will do of course.”
Niessink was also reflective of Villagomez’s progress as he added: “As a result of his unparalleled determination, we’ve seen Rafael grow and mature strongly as a driver and he is ready for this next challenge.
“We are fully committed to offering him our continuous support, especially in this exciting next chapter of his racing career.”
Villagomez will partner Enzo Fittipaldi for the new F2 season following the Brazilian’s move from Carlin, who have since rebranded as Rodin Motorsport.
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