Van Amersfoort Racing has promoted Rafael Villagomez to its Formula 2 line-up for 2024.
The 22-year-old Mexican has raced for the team since 2021, starting off with a part-time campaign in the Formula 3-level Euroformula series where he came eighth in the standings with five podiums.
For 2022 he moved across to VAR’s FIA F3 Championship line-up, and came 25th in the standings with two points. He had already raced in FIA F3 in 2021 with the HWA Racelab team and scored no points.
Villagomez began 2023 by stepping down to Formula Regional to race for Pinnacle VAR in the Middle East championship, where he came 13th in the standings with one podium, then returned to FIA F3 and matched his 2022 position and points haul.
“I am very excited to step up to F2. I’m ready for this next level up,” said VIllagomez.
“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.”
F2 will use a new car this season, replacing the one Villagomez drove in testing at Yas Marina Circuit at the end of last year. Villagomez will be team-mate to Enzo Fittipaldi.
“As a team, we always aim for long-term co-operation with our drivers,” said Rob Niessink, VAR’s CEO.
“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. 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.”