Diana Pundole, a 32-year-old racing champion from Pune and mother of two, has set an unprecedented milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to participate in a global Ferrari racing series.
Beginning November 2025, she will compete in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East, piloting the Ferrari 296 Challenge across some of the most prestigious Formula One circuits in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Her entry into this elite arena marks a major leap for Indian representation and for female racers in international motorsport.
A Steady Journey to the Top
Diana’s motorsport career began in 2018 through the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport programme, an initiative aimed at empowering female racers in India. Over the years, she has competed in national races such as the Indian Touring Cars and Volkswagen Polo Cup with notable success, clinching multiple podium finishes.
Her defining triumph came in 2024 when she won the MRF Saloon Cars national championship at the Madras International Circuit, outperforming top male contenders to claim the title. This victory consolidated her position as a trailblazer for women in the sport.
The Ferrari Challenge and What Lies Ahead
Driving the Ferrari 296 Challenge – a powerful, track-focused car renowned for its speed and agility – Diana faces a demanding competition landscape. Preparing for these races requires intensive physical and mental training to handle speeds of over 250 km/h and the technical rigours of world-class racing tracks.
Supported by sponsors like Aligned Automation and Ferrari New Delhi, she credits her late father’s encouragement for igniting her passion for racing. As she embarks on this new chapter racing across the Middle East circuits until April 2026, her journey inspires many Indian women to pursue their dreams in motorsport and beyond.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Diana Pundole embodies resilience, determination, and a reimagining of gender roles in sports, breaking through the barriers of a traditionally male-dominated field.
Celebrating such achievements reflects our commitment to empathy, empowerment, and inclusivity, encouraging societies to nurture and support female talent in every domain. By raising visibility and providing opportunities, more women can shatter ceilings and enrich diverse arenas like motorsport.
