Once Diana Pundole presses the gas, there's no stopping her. The engine's roar, the excitement of fast driving, and her intense focus on each lap—racing is her life. Now, she's taking her talent to the Middle East.
This September, India's first female racer will debut at the Ferrari Club Challenge, competing in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai.
“It’s going to be a completely new experience,” Pundole said after her recent trip to Dubai as the chief guest for the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) Independence Day event on Friday (August 15). “The tracks here are top-notch; the speeds are faster. I’m eager to get on the tracks.”
How it all began
Diana's passion for racing stems from her late father, an avid motorsport enthusiast. “As a child, I watched Formula One races with him. I kept up with the drivers and gradually became fascinated by their world,” she recalled.
Her adventure began with go-karting as a pastime in Mumbai and Pune. A career in motorsport seemed improbable — until she came across an online advertisement for a women’s racing competition. The only stipulation? Being able to drive a manual car.
“I thought, why not give it a shot? I had no clue it would change my life.” Out of nearly 200 women from across India, Diana reached the top six, winning a fully sponsored year in professional racing. “The moment I got in that race car, something clicked. I realized this was my place.”
Diana’s path was far from easy. She entered a sport dominated by men, going up against drivers with years of training and family backing. In contrast, Diana had no handbook—only her determination.
“In my first season, a coach told me I wouldn’t win. That sparked a fire within me. I vowed I wouldn’t stop until I beat the boys,” she recounted.
Years of hard work, tireless practice, and steadfast focus paid off. In 2023, she made history as the first Indian woman to win a mixed-gender race. “That’s a moment I’ll always remember,” she said. “It wasn’t just about proving them wrong. It was about showing myself that I could achieve it.”
Diana has never participated in women-only competitions. “Racing shouldn’t have different categories for men and women. It’s about ability, concentration, and personal challenge. I aimed to compete against the top drivers, regardless of their gender.”
This perspective allowed her to make history once more in 2024 by becoming the first woman to win India’s national saloon car championship
Journey to the UAE
Diana has already raced in the UAE during practice, pushing a Ferrari to 270 km/h at Yas Marina Circuit. Now, she’s set to compete. The Ferrari Club Challenge kicks off in Abu Dhabi, travels across the Gulf, and wraps up at Dubai Autodrome.
“Every track has its unique vibe. Yas Marina is technical and precise, whereas Dubai requires total concentration. I’m eager to challenge myself against the best here,” she stated.
Based in India, Diana typically visits Dubai twice a month as she juggles racing with family time. “Dubai is simply amazing,” she commented. “It’s developed so quickly, become so vibrant, and has evolved into a global center of opportunity. The energy here is motivating.”
What racing signifies for her
Diana also praises the Indian community in the UAE. “Wherever I go, I see diligent South Asians — Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis — all contributing to the city’s success. It’s like motorsport. It's all about commitment, concentration, and persistence.”
For her, racing is not just about finishing first — it’s about motivating others to pursue their dreams. “Whether your passion is racing, cooking, or painting, listen to your true calling," she stated. “Surpass people’s expectations and do what feels right for you. Success will follow.”
From her initial day in a race car to making history on the podium, Diana has demonstrated that the toughest competitions are often fought within oneself. And as she prepares to race on some of the most demanding tracks in the Middle East, she affirmed that when she hits that accelerator in Dubai, she’ll be going all out, aiming for the next big victory.
