Villagómez switches to Van Amersfoort Racing for 2022

Rafael Villagómez will spend his second season of Formula 3 at Van Amersfoort Racing, making the switch from HWA RACELAB.

As well as his rookie season in F3, Villagómez also competed in the Euroformula Open Championship, taking five podiums with VAR to finish eighth in the standings on 135 points.

After switching to the Dutch team for post-season testing at Valencia, Villagómez has now confirmed that he’ll be continuing his partnership with them.

“Last year was certainly a learning year for me, which I knew it would be," said Villagómez. "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!”

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The Mexican made only made a single-seater debut in 2020 but has already amassed plenty of experience, finishing 11th in British F4 and sixth in French F4, before running in the final four races of the 2020 Euroformula season for Drivex School.

He began 2021 in Asian F3, placing 17th, before taking on a dual campaign in Euroformula and FIA F3.

Van Amersfoort CEO Rob 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.

“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!”