In a moment that will go down in Indian motorsport history, Pune’s Diana Pundole has achieved what no Indian woman has before—earning a spot to race in an international Ferrari championship series. At just 32 years old, this mother of two is rewriting what’s possible for women in motorsport.
Breaking Barriers at 250 km/h
Beginning November 2025, Diana will step into the cockpit of the Ferrari 296 Challenge to compete in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East, taking her to legendary Formula One circuits across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.This isn’t just another race. It’s a milestone for Indian representation on the global stage, a sign that Indian drivers—especially women—are ready to take on the world’s best in high-performance racing.
From Pune Streets to Podium Dreams
Diana’s story is one of grit, patience, and relentless ambition. Her motorsport journey began in 2018 when she joined the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport programme, a platform designed to bring more Indian women onto the racetrack. From there, her rise was nothing short of meteoric.
She cut her teeth in competitive racing through the Volkswagen Polo Cup and Indian Touring Cars, earning several podium finishes and gaining respect in the male-dominated paddock. But it was 2024 that cemented her name in Indian racing lore—she clinched the MRF Saloon Cars National Championship at the Madras International Circuit, beating out a field stacked with top male contenders.
The Ferrari Challenge: A New Arena
Racing a Ferrari 296 Challenge is no small feat. The car—a precision-built track machine—can hit speeds well above 250 km/h. Competing across five countries, Diana will face some of the most demanding circuits in the world, from the sweeping Yas Marina curves to Bahrain’s night-lit straights.
Preparing for this series has required immense physical conditioning, technical training, and mental focus. Yet Diana’s biggest driving force remains deeply personal: the memory of her late father, whose passion for cars first steered her toward racing.
“He always told me that racing wasn’t just about speed—it was about courage,” she shares. “Every time I’m on the track, I feel like he’s right there with me.”
Powered by Passion and Purpose
Backed by sponsors such as Aligned Automation and Ferrari New Delhi, Diana’s upcoming season is not just a personal milestone—it’s a breakthrough for India’s motorsport community. Her success has already begun inspiring a new generation of girls who now see the racetrack not as a dream, but as a destination.
As Diana Pundole gears up to represent India on the world stage, she’s not just chasing podiums—she’s racing toward a more inclusive future for motorsport.
