"I hope it encourages more women to pursue their passion"
Pune’s Diana Pundole is set to make history as the first Indian woman to race a Ferrari in an international championship.
The 32-year-old will drive a Ferrari 296 Challenge in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East, which runs from November 2025 to April 2026.
The championship will see Pundole compete on premier motorsport circuits across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The Ferrari 296 Challenge, a track-focused car based on the 296 GTB, features a twin-turbo V6 engine, advanced aerodynamics and telemetry systems to analyse performance in detail.
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.”
Diana Pundole’s milestone follows years of determination in a sport that is male-dominated.
She entered motorsport in 2018 after being selected for the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport programme.
Since then, Pundole has steadily climbed through national championships, achieving podium finishes across categories, including Indian Touring Cars and MRF Saloon Cars.
She has also gained experience on international tracks such as Monza, Mugello and Dubai Autodrome.
In August 2024, she became the first Indian woman to win a national racing championship by clinching the MRF Saloon Cars title at the Madras International Circuit.
That victory opened new opportunities and established her as a breakthrough figure for women in Indian motorsport.
Pundole credits her late father for inspiring her passion for racing.
His enthusiasm continues to drive her as she trains rigorously, both physically and mentally, to meet the demands of racing at speeds beyond 155mph.
Her Ferrari Challenge campaign is supported by Aligned Automation and Ferrari New Delhi, providing financial backing, logistical support and structured preparation.
This includes simulator training, fitness work, and technical briefings ahead of the first official pre-season test.
Also known as Passione Ferrari Middle East, the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East series will expose Diana Pundole to professional racing environments and world-class circuits.
Each round features multiple track sessions focused on lap-time performance, driver development and technical consistency.
Round 1 opens at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on November 8-9, 2025, followed by Bahrain International Circuit on December 19-20.
Round 3 is at Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Corniche Circuit on January 16-17, 2026, while the fourth round takes place at Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit on February 7-8.
The finale is at Dubai Autodrome on April 4-5.
Diana Pundole hopes her success will inspire greater visibility and sponsorship for women in motorsport, marking a landmark moment for Indian representation on global racing grids.
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