Two officials
In Formula 2, almost everything is ready to know the official and complete starting grid for the 2024 season, and this also thanks to the last two new features arriving directly from the cadet category of F1. The first is related to confirmation of Victor Martins in ART Grand Prix, with the Frenchman who will play his second consecutive championship in this series with his compatriot team. The second, however, concerns the debut of the Mexican Rafael Villagomezpromoted to F2 by Van Amersfoort after the F3 championship held with the Dutch company.
Close to debut
This marks the end of a three-year experience in F3 for Villagomez, two of which with Van Amersfoort after his absolute debut in 2021 with HWA Racelab. The 22-year-old Mexican, however, has never achieved a podium or pole position in this category, unlike other series such as British and French F4, Euroformula Open and Formula Regional Asia and Middle-East, where he still missed out the appointment with victory. After participating in the F2 post-season testing at the end of 2023, on the Yas Marina circuit, Villagomez was promoted by Van Amersfoort for the next championship.
Three seasons with ART GP
Different story for Martins, member ofAlpine Academy since 2018 and already protagonist of an F1 test in Monza last year. The solid relationship with the team is renewed for the 22-year-old ART Grand Prixwhich dates back to 2020. In that season, Martins won the championship Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0which allowed him to debut the following year in F3 with MP Motorsport. Returning to the transalpine team in 2022, Martins made the leap in quality by graduating immediately sample, and then made his debut in F2 last season. Also for 2024, therefore, the young talent from Alpine will continue his experience in the top cadet series once again with ART GP, with which he has therefore been linked for three seasons.
The first comments
“Together with ART Grand Prix we have a common past made of passion and success – he has declared Martins after the team's announcement, which had previously made Zak O'Sullivan official – a past that has seen the achievement of several titles, to which I hope to add another in 2024, a decisive season for my development. But I won't have my eyes focused only on the standings: I want to correct last year's mistakes, manage the championship over time and always try to obtain the best possible result, whether the circumstances are favorable or complicated. There is no shortage of serious competitors in this category. With a new car there is also an element of uncertainty, but I trust that ART Grand Prix will make the best of it. The team provides me with all the support I need, just like Alpine, and I have all the cards needed to achieve my goals”. Very excited too Villagomeznow just a few months after the official debut in F2: “I'm excited to move to F2 – added Enzo Fittipaldi's teammate – I'm ready for this new level. The dynamics of an F2 car are truly impressive, but I have gained great confidence after the success of the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last year. The test proved to myself and the people around me that the F2 is the right category for me to further develop as a driver. The team and I know each other very well and this can only be a great advantage for all of us. I can't wait to continue our journey together and start the season.”
#ART #confirms #Martins #Van #Amersfoort #presents #rookie #FormulaPassion
