Diana Pundole from Pune to Make History as First Indian Woman to Race a Ferrari Internationally
Pune-based racing driver Diana Pundole, aged 32, is all set to make history as the first Indian woman to race a Ferrari internationally. She will represent India in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East, competing behind the wheel of the Ferrari 296 Challenge from November 2025 to April 2026.
Competing Across Iconic F1 Circuits
The championship will be held across world-famous Formula One circuits including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The event will test participants on speed, precision, and endurance in high-performance Ferrari race cars.
A Proud Moment for Indian Motorsport
Calling it an “incredible honour,” Pundole said she is proud to represent India on a global platform. “To race a Ferrari internationally has been a dream I’ve worked toward for years. I hope my journey inspires more women in Indian motorsport to chase their dreams fearlessly,” she said.
A Journey of Grit and Passion
Pundole began her motorsport journey in 2018 through the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport program and quickly gained attention with consistent performances in national championships. Her major breakthrough came in 2024 when she became the first Indian woman to win a national racing title, clinching the MRF Saloon Cars Championship at the Madras International Circuit.
Having trained at international tracks such as Monza, Mugello, and the Dubai Autodrome, she has developed a strong technical foundation and mental resilience required for elite racing. Her participation in the Ferrari Club Challenge is supported by Aligned Automation and Ferrari New Delhi, reflecting growing confidence in Indian talent on the global motorsport stage.
Racing for a Legacy
Diana credits her late father for nurturing her love for racing. “Every race is a tribute to his belief in me,” she shared. With her debut in the Ferrari Club Challenge approaching, she continues to train intensively, balancing physical workouts and simulator practice to handle speeds above 250 km/h.
As Diana Pundole takes her place on the international circuit, she is not just racing a Ferrari — she’s driving India’s motorsport dreams forward, paving the way for more women to follow in her tracks.
