From Pune to the Fast Lane: Diana Pundole Becomes First Indian Woman to Race a Ferrari on Global Stage
From Pune to the Fast Lane: Diana Pundole Becomes First Indian Woman to Race a Ferrari on Global Stage
Breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks, 32-year-old Diana Pundole from Pune is all set to carve her name in the annals of motorsport history. The trailblazing racer is gearing up to become the first Indian woman to compete in a Ferrari at an international championship — the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East, which will take place from November 2025 to April 2026.
Behind the wheel of the Ferrari 296 Challenge, Pundole will race across some of the most iconic Formula One circuits in the Middle East, including venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Each track will test her speed, precision, and determination as she represents both her country and women in motorsport on a global platform.
Expressing her excitement, Pundole 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.”
Her journey in racing began back in 2018, when she joined the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport program, an initiative that opened the doors for many aspiring female racers in India. Over the years, Pundole has showcased her talent with multiple podium finishes across various national and regional events, steadily building her reputation as one of India’s most promising racers.
Now, as she prepares to compete in the Ferrari Club Challenge, Pundole’s career reaches an exciting new chapter. The Ferrari 296 Challenge, celebrated for its cutting-edge performance and track-focused design, will serve as her companion in this remarkable journey, pushing her skills to the limit against a field of international competitors.
Pundole’s entry into the championship marks more than just a personal milestone — it stands as a symbol of progress and inspiration for women in Indian motorsport. Her determination and success are poised to motivate a new generation of female racers to dream bigger and chase the fast lane fearlessly.
