Rafael made his single-seater debut in 2020 following his triumphant win in the 2019 Richard Mille Young Talent Academy shootout, where he earned himself a seat in French F4. The youngster from Leon, Mexico also raced in the British F4 championship where he claimed his first ever podium finish in cars at Donington Park.
In 2021 Rafa graduated to F3 machinery, starting the season in the Asian F3 Championship and running a double campaign in Europe. He competed in FIA F3 with HWA Racelab and in the Euroformula Open with VAR where he took six podium finishes for the Dutch team.
Continuing his successful relationship with VAR, the latest addition to Bullet Sports Management’s talent roster decided to join the Dutch squad’s FIA F3 assault. Frits Van Amersfoort’s team has been a stalwart in the predecessor of the series, supporting drivers like Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc or Mick Schumacher in their first steps in single-seater racing. In 2022 VAR joins both stages of the Road to F1 ladder, providing Rafa with everything he needs to show his full potential.
Rafa Villagómez:
“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!”
Rob Niessink, CEO at Van Amersfoort Racing:
“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 look forward to the pre-season testing at Bahrain early March!”
The 2022 FIA F3 calendar consists of nine rounds, with two races each, supporting Formula 1. The season commences in March 18-20 at the Bahrain International Circuit.