Diana Pundole from Pune: Changing Gears & Making Motorsport History
From teacher to champion, Pune’s Diana Pundole becomes first Indian woman to race a Ferrari internationally and win a national car-race title.
Pune, November 03, 2025: From the classroom to the racetrack, Diana Pundole’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Hailing from Pune and born into a Parsi family, she once pursued a career in teaching. That changed when she answered a national talent-hunt call in 2018 for the “Women in Motorsport” initiative and, little by little, transformed into a trailblazer.
In 2024 she clinched the national championship title in the saloon-cars class at the MRF Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 held at the Madras International Circuit. Doing so made her the first Indian woman ever to win a national motorsport title competing directly alongside men.
But she didn’t stop there. In 2025 she secured a coveted berth in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East, slated from November 2025 to April 2026. Driving the potent Ferrari 296 Challenge race-car, she will represent India on iconic international circuits such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. That makes her the first Indian woman to race a Ferrari at an international level.
Pundole’s ascent is built on perseverance. A mother of two, she balanced family obligations, societal skepticism and a male-dominated sport. She often credits her late father for kindling her love of speed and cars. She trained relentlessly—on fitness, simulators and track time—to compete at velocities exceeding 250 km/h. Parsi Khabar+1
Her story resonates far beyond personal success. It challenges gender norms in Indian motorsport, sends a strong message about women’s participation in competitive racing and paves the way for future generations. As she gears up for the Ferrari series, she aims not just for podiums but for inspiration.
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