Pune Racer Diana Pundole Makes History as First Indian Woman to Drive a Ferrari in Global Championship

Diana Pundole, a 32-year-old racer from Pune, is set to make history in international racing. She will become the first Indian woman to compete in a Ferrari on the global stage. Starting in November 2025, she will represent India in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East. She will drive the Ferrari 296 Challenge, a track-focused car known for its speed, precision, and control. The championship will continue till April 2026, covering top circuits in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

A Historic Moment for Indian Motorsport

This marks a defining chapter for Indian motorsport as Diana joins the elite international racing grid with the legendary Italian brand. Her participation highlights India’s growing presence in global racing and gives a major push to women’s representation in motorsport.

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The Journey from Pune to the International Track

Diana’s passion for racing began in 2018 through the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport program. It encourages and supports women racers in India. Over the years, she proved her skill in major national championships like the Indian Touring Cars and Volkswagen Polo Cup. She earned several podium finishes and praise for her consistency and control on the track.

Her breakthrough came in 2024, when she clinched the MRF Saloon Cars National Championship at the Madras International Circuit, outperforming several top male contenders. This achievement placed her among India’s most promising racers and opened doors to international opportunities.

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Racing the Ferrari 296 Challenge

For the Ferrari Club Challenge, Diana will drive the Ferrari 296 Challenge, a high-performance race car engineered for speed and agility, capable of exceeding 250 km/h. Competing in this category demands not just skill, but immense physical endurance and mental focus. Diana has been preparing rigorously to meet the demands of these technical Middle Eastern circuits, where she will face some of the finest drivers in the region.

Her campaign is supported by Aligned Automation and Ferrari New Delhi, both of which are backing her international debut. The racer credits her late father’s encouragement for shaping her love for motorsport and driving her determination to make India proud on the global stage.

A Symbol of Inspiration for Women in Racing

Beyond her individual achievements, Diana Pundole’s story marks a bigger win for women in Indian motorsport. As a mother of two, she breaks stereotypes and pushes the limits of what women can achieve in high-intensity sports. Her journey from local circuits to the global Ferrari stage inspires a new generation of young women to chase their racing dreams.

Her participation in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East from November 2025 to April 2026 will be closely followed by many. As the event unfolds, all eyes will be on her journey and performance on the international stage. But it’s not just about speed or results, it’s about what she truly represents. Her story reflects perseverance, passion, and progress for Indian women making their mark in global racing.

About Diana Pundole

Diana Pundole, the 32-year-old racer from Pune, becomes the first Indian woman to race a Ferrari internationally. She began with the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport program. Later, she won the MRF Saloon Cars Championship. Now, she races the Ferrari 296 Challenge across the Middle East. Her journey reflects hard work, determination, and inspiration for Indian women in motorsport.