Indian motorsports racing driver Diana Pundole has created history after becoming the first woman driver from her country to compete at a global motorsports event for Ferrari. She will be participating in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East, driving the brand’s 296 Challenge car. The racing event is scheduled to be held from November 2025 to April 2026, and Pundole will be racing across different Formula One circuits like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
The 32-year-old racing champion from Pune’s entry marks a big milestone for Indian female racers, recognized at an international motorsport event. Pundole credits her success to her late father for introducing her to the sport and carrying on the legacy forward.
During an interview, Pundole expressed her excitement about landing such an opportunity for Ferrari. Her participation in the event is backed by Aligned Automation and Ferrari New Delhi.
She said, “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 women in Indian motorsport. I hope it encourages more women to pursue their passion for racing.”
“Being part of the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East as the first Indian woman is a proud moment not just for me but for women in Indian motorsport. I hope it encourages more women to pursue their passion for racing,” she added.
Pundole’s journey to prominence
Pundole’s motorsport career goes back to 2018, when she was part of the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport programme, which is aimed at empowering Indian female racers. She has gained success while competing in multiple race events, including national competitions like the Indian Touring Cars and Volkswagen Polo Cup, with podium finishes.
But it was in 2024 when her career peaked after she became the national champion after winning the MRF Saloon Cars event at the Madras International Circuit. She outperformed her male contenders, marking a big turnover for women in the sport.
Crediting her previous achievements, Pundole will now be representing a brand like Ferrari at the global motorsport event with a display of her skills and resilience. Her participation will embark on a new chapter of her motorsport journey.
Over the years, Pundole has been performing intense training sessions in order to prepare herself both physically and mentally and get herself accustomed to racing a car at speeds exceeding 250 km/h.
(Inputs sourced from NDTV & Indian Express)
