Rafael Villagómez re-signs with Van Amersfoort Racing for 2023

Van Amersfoort Racing have confirmed that Rafael Villagómez will race with the team in 2023 in his third FIA Formula 3 campaign. The Mexican is the second confirmed driver as part of the team’s line-up alongside Tommy Smith.

Villagómez began his single seater career back in 2020, winning the Richard Mille Young Talent search and racing in British and French F4, consistently scoring points in both that season. Graduation up to Euroformula Open in 2021 with VAR brough four podium finishes and P8 in the Championship. He also paired that campaign with his rookie season in FIA Formula 3, driving for HWA Racelab. Last season, his focus was solely on a follow-up F3 campaign, and he will be sticking with VAR for this year’s Championship.

The 21-year-old said that his growth within the team had been a hugely beneficial factor in his career and that his preparations were fully underway for 2023. He will also be racing in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship with VAR ahead of the start of the new F3 season, set to begin in Bahrain on 3-5 March.

‘’I am really excited about competing in Formula 3 again. Both myself and the team have grown a lot last year and it’s great to be able to continue working together in 2023. I have used the winter period to fully prepare myself physically, and I am really excited to be already racing in January in FRMEC. It feels like this is the best approach to get fully ready for the season and I can’t wait for it to finally kick off again!”

Rob Niessink, CEO of Van Amersfoort Racing added that the re-signing of Villagómez was a positive for the team having worked together so closely in recent seasons.

‘’It is great to continue working with Rafael this upcoming season. Rafael is very dedicated to his goals, which makes him an absolute pleasure to work with. Having a driver in the team for multiple seasons has clear benefits. Due to the intense contact, you grow stronger as a team, which ultimately is key for performing well on track. Our crew is very committed to support Rafael in progressing both on- and off the circuit and all are fully dedicated to book strong results this season!”