Pune-based racing driver Diana Pundole is poised to create motorsport history as the first Indian woman to compete in a Ferrari at an international championship level. The 32-year-old will pilot a Ferrari 296 Challenge car in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East series.
Championship Details
The championship is scheduled to run from November 2025 through April 2026, featuring races across premier Formula One circuits in the Middle East region. Pundole will compete at iconic venues spanning Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
The Ferrari 296 Challenge represents cutting-edge racing technology from the Italian manufacturer, designed specifically for track performance with precision handling and race-ready capabilities.
Historic Achievement of Diana Pundole
Speaking about this milestone opportunity, Diana Pundole emphasized the broader significance of her participation beyond personal achievement.
“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,” she stated.
Racing Background
Diana Pundole launched her competitive racing career in 2018 through the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport program, an initiative designed to promote female participation in racing. Since then, she has demonstrated consistent performance with multiple podium finishes across various racing events in India.
Her progression from domestic competitions to an international Ferrari championship represents significant advancement for Indian women in motorsport, a field traditionally dominated by male competitors.
Broader Impact
The Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East provides Pundole a prestigious platform to showcase her racing credentials on the international stage. Her participation challenges gender barriers in motorsport while potentially inspiring a new generation of female racers in India.
The championship’s concentration on renowned Formula One circuits offers competitors world-class racing infrastructure and the opportunity to compete against international talent. For Pundole, this represents the culmination of seven years of competitive racing experience and marks India’s growing presence in global motorsport competitions.
Her achievement adds to the gradual but steady increase in Indian women’s participation in international racing series, contributing to greater diversity in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
