Diana Pundole Set to Make History as First Indian Woman to Race a Ferrari

IN NEWS:

Diana Pundole Set to Make History as First Indian Woman to Race a Ferrari

ANALYSIS

• Diana Pundole, a 32-year-old racer from Pune, is set to become the first Indian woman to compete in a Ferrari abroad, driving the Ferrari 296 Challenge in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East beginning November 2025. 
• The championship spans the Middle East and will run until April 2026, with rounds in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. 
• The Ferrari 296 Challenge is a track‐focused racing version, offering razor-sharp handling and high performance suited for international circuits. 
• Pundole described the opportunity as “an incredible honour … being part of the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East as the first Indian woman … a proud moment not just for me but for women in Indian motorsport.” 
• Her career trajectory: she began racing in 2018 through the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport programme and has secured multiple podium finishes domestically before taking this international step.
• Implications:
  1. Marks a major milestone for Indian women in motorsport – breaking into a high-profile international series with elite equipment.
  2. Could inspire increased female participation and visibility in Indian motorsport, which historically has been male-dominated.
  3. For Pundole, this raises the bar — competing on world-class circuits demands technical, physical and mental readiness at a high level.
  4. The involvement of a marquee brand like Ferrari in this context elevates Indian drivers’ exposure and may help catalyse further opportunities.

STATIC PART

• Event: Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East – international racing series featuring the Ferrari 296 Challenge on major Middle East circuits.
• Vehicle: Ferrari 296 Challenge – a race-prepared version of the Ferrari 296, configured for circuit performance, offering advanced aerodynamics, chassis tuning and competitive-level handling.
• Driver Profile: Diana Pundole – Indian racer from Pune; began competitive racing in 2018 via JK Tyre’s Women in Motorsport initiative; earned multiple podiums before stepping into the international Ferrari series.

Updated – 30 Oct 2025 ; 12:27 PM | NDTV

Source: NDTV