Highs and lows but the signs are positive: Van Amersfoort Racing Pre-season Roundup

11 March 2025

After finishing last in the 2024 Teams’ Championship, Van Amersfoort Racing are looking to climb up the order in 2025, and so far, the signs are positive for the Dutch team.

With 344 laps completed across the three days of pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, VAR are feeling optimistic about what the year might bring, starting at Round 1 in Melbourne.

“The test went well,” said Team Principal Brad Joyce as testing wrapped up. “There's been lots of highs and lows in the test, but we've learned a lot.

“We've obviously got a new driver in John Bennett, who is getting to grips with the car. We are also trying to run through development programs to get a better understanding of the car and the tyres, and to try and prepare as well as we can for Melbourne.”

Alongside Bennett is the returning Rafael Villagómez. The Mexican driver is someone the team are very familiar with, given that he is set to race in VAR colours for a fifth consecutive season.

Villagómez has taken a step forward coming into 2025 according to his Team Principal Brad Joyce

He showed a lot of potential in his rookie F2 campaign in 2024, achieving several points finishes, and from what he has seen so far this year, Joyce says Villagómez has made a step forward in several areas.

The 23-year-old was fifth fastest in the afternoon on Day 2 and seventh in the final morning and if VAR are to take a step up the order, Villagómez’s progression will be key for the team.

Heading in the right direction: PREMA Racing Pre-season Roundup

“I think he is stepping up,” said Joyce. “He seems to have got a little bit more speed, his feedback is improving throughout, and he is doing a good job for us.”

Outside of the car, feedback was a large part of what impressed Joyce at the test, as he praised both drivers for how they communicated with the team, which in turn is helping them progress.

Bennett, who took part in the final two rounds of the 2024 campaign for VAR, had a good test, but he stopped on track in the final afternoon in Barcelona. While this limited his running, Joyce was happy with what he saw.

Bennett is getting set for his first full season of Formula 2 with VAR

“I mean John's feedback is very good and his performance is also very good,” said Joyce. “But as he learns the limits of the car, sometimes you have the odd issue and he had one at the end of the day. But other than that, John is fitting in well within the team, and he is good to work with.”

Finishing at the bottom of the Standings was VAR’s lowest placing since entering the Championship in 2022.

Joyce is confident that they can climb back up the order in 2025, believing there is more to come from his team as the season goes on.

“I am looking forward to the season,” Joyce concluded. “I am optimistic. I am hoping we can obviously improve from last year, but steadily improve throughout the year, and progress through the field as much as possible.”