Rafael Gonzalez

Rafael Gonzalez Mendoza (born 25 November 1999) also known as Rafa Gonzalez, is a Spanish racing driver of Mexican origin. Rafael is former KZ1 World Champion, who is yet to make his debut in F3RWRS in 2016 for DSR Racing.

Early years

Rafa's father is Juan Pablo Gonzalez who was popular Mexican rally driver in late 1980es and early 1990es. In 1996 he crossed the Atlantic and started his WRC career with mediocre success. His best finish was 6th in Rally Acropolis (Greece) in 1998. Merely at that time he married his long time girlfriend Andrea Mendoza. In 1999 Rafael was born and soon after that his father retired from racing. However, this was not the end of the connection between motorsports and Gonzalez family. It is said that Rafael started driving his mini go-kart before learning how to walk.

Racing career

First years

It did not take long for Rafael to be recognized as one of the hot prospects of Spain in motor racing. At the age of 9 he was champion of Spain in class "mini". Unfortunately he had a terrible accident in 2010 and broke his arm. His mother was against Rafa's hobby and forbid him to race anymore. When Rafa turned 14 his father enlisted him in a karting race, keeping this as a secret from Andrea. Rafael get on the podium and soon after that returned to racing with his father's newly formed Gonzales Top Racing (GTR) team. He participated in KZ1 European championship in 2014, scoring a victory. In 2015 he again scored a victory and finished 5th which secured him a place in the World championship. He shocked many pundits by gaining the title, although being considered as underdog at first.

F3RWRS

This success impressed enough DSR Racing board and they signed Rafael for 2016 season in F3RWRS.