Pune-based racing driver Diana Pundole is set to make history as the first Indian woman to race a Ferrari in an international motorsport championship. The 32-year-old will represent India in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East, a high-octane racing series running from November 2025 to April 2026.
Pundole will be behind the wheel of the Ferrari 296 Challenge, one of the latest track-focused models from the Italian marque, competing on some of the world’s most prestigious Formula One circuits — including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
A Landmark Moment for Indian Motorsport
For Pundole, this milestone represents both a personal achievement and a breakthrough for Indian motorsport.
“It’s truly an incredible honour,” she said. “To represent India and race in a Ferrari on a global stage is a dream I’ve worked toward for years.”
The Ferrari Club Challenge offers both professional and amateur racers the chance to push the limits of high-performance Ferraris on international tracks, combining speed, precision, and endurance in a competitive yet controlled environment.
Pundole’s participation marks a significant stride for women in Indian motorsport, a field still largely dominated by men. Her entry into this prestigious Ferrari series is expected to inspire a new generation of female racers across the country.
From Pune’s Tracks to Global Circuits
Beginning her motorsport journey with local time trials and national racing events, Pundole steadily built a reputation for her technical skill and consistency. In recent years, she has trained extensively on advanced simulators and participated in European track programs, preparing for this global challenge.
With her upcoming campaign, Pundole joins an elite group of international drivers competing under the Ferrari banner — a remarkable milestone for any Indian racer and a proud moment for the nation’s growing motorsport community.