Indian motorsport has hit a new milestone, and it has a woman at the wheel. Diana Pundole, a 32-year-old racer from Pune, has become the first Indian woman ever to compete in an international Ferrari racing series, marking a historic moment for the country and for women in motorsport.
Pundole will represent India in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East 2025–26, a highly exclusive global championship that brings together some of the world’s most elite racing talents. The series will take place across iconic Formula One circuits in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, beginning this November and running through April 2026. Behind the wheel of the Ferrari 296 Challenge, one of Ferrari’s most advanced and powerful race cars, Diana is set to take Indian racing to the global stage.
“A dream come true for me and for Indian women in motorsport”
Speaking about her historic entry, Diana shared,
“It’s truly an incredible honour. Being part of the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East as the first Indian woman is a proud moment not just for me but for all women in Indian motorsport. I hope my journey inspires others to chase their racing dreams.”
A Journey Fueled by Passion and Perseverance
Diana’s journey from a newcomer in Indian racing to an international Ferrari driver is nothing short of inspirational. She entered the racing circuit in 2018 through the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport Programme, an initiative to nurture female racing talent in India. Over the years, she honed her craft through sheer grit, focus, and an unyielding passion for speed.
Her dedication paid off in 2024, when she became the National Racing Champion, winning the MRF Saloon Cars title at the Madras International Circuit — a fiercely competitive event where she outperformed several top male racers. That victory cemented her position as a rising star in Indian motorsport.
Pushing Limits — On and Off the Track
Known for her meticulous training and discipline, Diana undergoes intense physical and mental conditioning to endure the rigours of racing at speeds exceeding 250 km/h. She credits her late father for inspiring her love for motorsport. “He always told me that the road less travelled often leads to the most rewarding destinations,” she once shared in an interview — a philosophy that continues to guide her journey.
Driving India’s Motorsport Legacy Forward
Diana’s global debut is backed by Aligned Automation and Ferrari New Delhi, both committed to supporting India’s motorsport ambitions. Her participation in the Ferrari Challenge not only marks a personal triumph but also a historic moment for Indian representation in global motorsport.
As the engines roar and Diana dons the Ferrari red, she stands not just as a racer, but as a symbol of change, courage, and aspiration. Her story is proof that when dreams meet determination, the finish line becomes just another beginning.
