DUDU SALAMONDE REMAINS IN VALENCIA FOR THE 2ND ROUND OF THE EUROPEAN KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP
Brazilian driver relies on the experience gained in Spain to fight for a spot in the OK category Final at the Lucas Guerrero Karting Circuit.
The circuit at the Lucas Guerrero International Karting Track has practically become a second home for Brazilian driver Dudu Salamonde (Minardi Management powered by DAG / EXA Tecnologia / Vero Coco / DKR / RL Eng. Design / Casa Barô / SOMA Blindados / Team: Parolin Racing / Coach: Gianluca Beggio) over the past few weeks. After competing in the Champions Of The Future, the Minardi Management powered by DAG driver remained in Spain to continue his preparation for the second round of the FIA European Karting Championship.
This week’s challenge promises to be even tougher. In the OK category, considered one of the main showcases of international karting, the grid will feature 97 drivers. Despite the fierce competition and the high level of the field, Dudu arrives motivated after showing steady progress since the start of his European campaign. The experience gained in every event, both in Italy and Spain, has strengthened the work developed alongside his team.
As a factory driver for Parolin Racing Kart, Salamonde has delivered increasingly solid performances at every new event. The Brazilian has stood out for his quick adaptation to European circuits, as well as for the maturity he has shown in battles throughout the international field. Even in a learning season, the driver has demonstrated competitive pace against some of Europe’s most experienced kart racers.
The Champions Of The Future round in Valencia was marked by an incident that compromised Salamonde’s plans. An accident caused after another kart spun in front of him disrupted the team’s work and prevented a more accurate evaluation of their performance. Even so, Dudu handled the setback with resilience and confidence ahead of this weekend’s new challenge in Valencia.
“We were making really good progress throughout the weekend, and the accident ended up hurting us a lot. It’s good to have another chance to race here in Valencia right away. Knowing the track better now, understanding the layout more, that helps a lot when it comes to achieving our goals,” commented Dudu Salamonde.
Spending nearly 30 consecutive days in Spain has also represented an important period of growth for the driver. The daily routine inside the competitive environment, the intense testing sessions, and the constant interaction with his team and fellow drivers have expanded Dudu’s experience both on and off the track. This process raises expectations for the remainder of the season.
The Brazilian driver believes the lessons learned over the last few weeks could make a difference during the key moments of the event. Recovering the kart’s performance during the Super Heat at the previous race gave the team extra confidence in finding a competitive direction. As a result, Salamonde heads into the second round of the European Championship determined to turn progress into solid results on Spanish soil.
“I’m really focused on achieving good results here in Europe. Last week, when we managed to get the kart sorted for the Super Heat, we could already feel that we had very strong pace. Now it’s all about working hard from practice onwards to fight for a place in Sunday’s Final,” Dudu highlighted.
The official schedule for the second round of the European Karting Championship begins this Friday (8), with official free practice sessions, qualifying, and the opening OK category heats. Saturday (9) will feature the remaining qualifying heats, which will determine the drivers advancing to the decisive stage of the event in Valencia.
On Sunday (10), competitors return to the track for the Super Heat and later the Grand Final. Fans who want to follow Dudu Salamonde racing live from Spain will be able to watch the action through the championship’s official YouTube channel.
Press Office: Kako Marques / KMCom
Follow Dudu Salamonde on Instagram: @eduardosalamonde