Pune’s Diana Pandole Set to Make History as First Indian Woman in Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East
Pune, 2nd November 2025: Breaking barriers in the high-octane world of motorsport, 32-year-old Diana Pandole from Pune is set to represent India on the global stage at the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East — one of the most elite racing championships in the world. With her participation, Diana is poised to become the first Indian woman to compete in this international event.
Her journey, marked by grit and grace, began in 2018 under the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport program. From her very first races, Diana impressed spectators and experts alike with her passion and control on the track. Her defining moment came in August 2024, when she became the first Indian woman to win the MRF Indian National Car Racing Championship in the Saloon category at the Madras International Circuit.
Over the years, Diana has honed her skills at renowned international tracks including Mugello, Monza, and the Dubai Autodrome — each training session bringing her closer to her dream of competing at the global level. She credits her father’s encouragement as the driving force behind her decision to pursue a career in motorsport, a field still finding its footing in India.
For the upcoming championship, Diana will be backed by Aligned Automation and Ferrari New Delhi. She will take to the track in a Ferrari 296 Challenge — a 700-horsepower powerhouse with a top speed exceeding 300 km/h. The car, based on Ferrari’s iconic 296 GTB, is built for precision and performance.
The first round of the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East will be held at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit on November 8-9, 2025. Over the next several months, Diana will compete at some of the world’s most prestigious Formula One venues across Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia — racing against top drivers from around the globe.
The competition, known for testing speed, endurance, and precision, will challenge Diana to push her limits. Yet, her participation is more than an individual milestone — it represents a turning point for Indian motorsport. Experts say Diana’s entry could inspire a new generation of women racers and open the doors for greater participation from India in global racing circuits.
As Diana Pandole gears up to carry the Indian tricolour onto the Ferrari tracks, her journey embodies a powerful message — that with courage and perseverance, even the most unconventional dreams can find their way to the finish line. Her story is not just about speed, but about breaking stereotypes and redefining what Indian women can achieve in the fast lane.
