From Pune to the Prancing Horse: Diana Pundole Shatters Ceilings as Ferrari's First Indian Woman Racer

History isn't just made; it's driven. The words "Ferrari" and "international racing" evoke a century-long legacy of speed, prestige, and, historically, an arena almost exclusively for men. This November, that narrative gets a powerful new chapter. 32-year-old Diana Pundole from Pune is firmly in the driver's seat, blazing a trail at over 250 km/h as she becomes the first Indian woman in history to race for Ferrari in a global championship.

This is a milestone moment for Indian motorsport, a breakthrough that transcends the track.

Diana is set to compete in the prestigious Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East, a key part of the "Passione Ferrari" program. This isn't just any race; it's an exclusive, factory-supported, single-make championship for Ferrari owners to test their skills. The series, running from November 2025 to April 2026, is a high-octane gauntlet held on the exact tarmac used by Formula One legends. Competing on world-class circuits in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia demands a level of precision and courage that few outside the professional racing world ever experience. The first round kicks off this weekend, November 8-9, at the legendary Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

The Car and the Challenge

At her command will be the formidable Ferrari 296 Challenge, a machine engineered for one purpose: dominance. This is the ninth model in the history of the Ferrari Challenge and marks a radical shift. It's the first-ever six-cylinder car in the series, but this is no ordinary V6. Following the lead of the 296 GT3, Ferrari's engineers removed the road car's hybrid system, shedding weight and boosting the twin-turbo engine to a staggering 700 cv (690 hp). With record-breaking power output and advanced aerodynamics, it's a thoroughbred racing car that is brutally fast and demands immense physical and mental focus to master.

Competing on this global stage is the culmination of a journey marked by relentless grit. It means withstanding intense G-forces, maintaining millimeter-perfect focus for laps on end, and proving oneself in a high-stakes, high-pressure environment. For Diana, this achievement is both a personal dream and a powerful public statement. "It's an incredible honour to represent India and race in a Ferrari on the world stage—it's a dream come true," she has shared. "Being the first Indian woman is a proud moment not just for me, but for women in Indian motorsport. I hope my journey inspires more women to follow their passion fearlessly."

A Trailblazing Journey

While her entry into the Ferrari Challenge is making headlines now, Diana's path to this moment has been built over years of hard-fought battles. Her serious racing career was ignited in 2018 by a nationwide talent hunt for the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport programme, an initiative designed to find and nurture female racers. Diana, who had no traditional racing background, stood out. She wasn't just happy to participate; she was there to win.

She quickly proved her mettle, securing consistent podium finishes in national racing championships. But the true breakthrough, the moment that silenced skeptics and announced her arrival, came in 2024. Diana made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a national racing title, clinching the MRF Saloon Cars Championship at the Madras International Circuit. This victory, secured against a field of the nation's top (and predominantly male) drivers, cemented her reputation as one of India's most formidable racing talents. This championship win wasn't just a personal triumph; it was a cultural one. In a sport where she had faced skepticism, she had now proven, unequivocally, that talent has no gender.

What makes Diana's story even more inspiring is her life off the track. As a 32-year-old and a mother of two, she shatters the one-dimensional stereotype of a professional racer, proving that passion and determination can override any preconceived notion.

Her journey is also a deeply poignant tribute to her late father, whom she credits with igniting her love for motorsport. Her father, Darius, was an avid Formula One fan, and many of her earliest memories are of watching races with him. It was a passion shared by her mother, Jasmine, herself an ace driver who taught Diana to drive. When her father passed away in 2017, it was a profound loss, but his passion for motorsport became her driving force. "My motivation comes from my late father's love for racing and my own desire to prove that women can excel in this sport," she has shared.

The support from sponsors like Aligned Automation and Ferrari New Delhi is significant, signaling a crucial shift where corporate India is recognizing and backing female champions in high-performance sports.

This weekend, as the V6 engine of her 296 Challenge roars to life on the grid at Yas Marina, Diana Pundole will be carrying more than just her own ambitions. She carries the legacy of her father, the pride of her nation, and the hopes of a new generation of young Indian girls who will watch her and, for the first time, see a path to the impossible.

Diana isn't just driving a Ferrari—she's driving a new era for Indian motorsport.

The Sanjan Sanatorium is Safe... For Now. A Wake-Up Call for Our Community.

Many of you will have seen the recent notice from the Trustees of The WZO Trust Funds and felt a wave of relief wash over you. The "Proposed Sale of 'Sanjan Sanatorium'," a notice that sent a quiet shockwave of sorrow through our community, has been put on hold.

Let us first pause and offer our deepest, heartfelt gratitude to the anonymous Donor. This individual, in an act of profound generosity, has "graciously committed support to ensure that the Sanitorium can remain operational for the next few years without any financial burden to the Trust."

This is wonderful news. A beloved community asset has been saved from the brink.

But, my friends, this is not a victory. It is a reprieve.

This is not the time to sit back and say, "All is well." This is a wake-up call. The anonymous donor has not solved the problem; they have gifted us the most precious commodity of all: time.

Why This Matters More Than Just a Building

We must understand what the Sanjan Sanatorium is. It is not just a property. It is not just a place for our fellow Parsi/Irani Zoroastrians to find affordable lodging, though that service is noble and vital.

It is in Sanjan.

This is the very soil our ancestors first stepped upon when they arrived in India, seeking refuge and a new home for our sacred Aatash. Sanjan is the cradle of the Parsi story in India. To have a community sanatorium there is to maintain a living, breathing link to our roots. It is a place for pilgrimage, for reflection, and for connecting with our history.

Losing an institution anywhere is a blow. Losing one in Sanjan would be a profound, symbolic tearing at our heritage.

The Uncomfortable Truth

The notice from the Trustees is candid and must be read carefully. They were not acting rashly. The Sanatorium has been suffering "high operational losses" for years. The Trustees, in their fiduciary duty, were forced into a painful corner. Their logic was that the funds being spent to keep the property afloat, and the proceeds from its sale, could be "better utilized for more deserving charitable purposes."

This is the heartbreaking dilemma our community leadership often faces: do we maintain our heritage, or do we fund our future?

The core problem—that the Sanatorium is not financially self-sustaining—has not gone away. The generous donor has simply paused the crisis for "the next few years."

Our Second Chance: What Do We Do Now?

What will we, as a community, do with this gift of time?

Will we do nothing, and find ourselves in this exact same heartbreaking position a few years from now, hoping another anonymous donor will step in?

Or will we, the Parsi/Irani Zoroastrian community, rise to the occasion?

This is a challenge for all of us. This is the moment for our entrepreneurs, our philanthropists, our community leaders, and every single Humdin who cares about our heritage to come together.

Can we create a new, dedicated endowment fund specifically for the Sanatorium's long-term maintenance?

Can we find new, creative ways to promote the Sanatorium (respectfully) to increase its occupancy and revenue?

Can we brainstorm a new, sustainable operational model that doesn't drain the WZO Trust's other charitable funds?

The WZO Trust Trustees have been given a temporary reprieve from a difficult decision. Let us now relieve them of this burden permanently.

This is our collective responsibility. The generosity of one has shown us the way. It must now be matched by the collective will of the many.

We have been given a second chance to save a precious piece of our heritage in the most sacred of places. Let us not waste it.

New Parsi Dharamshala at Ahmedabad: Heritage Reborn

We are delighted to announce the reopening of the Lady Bachubai Navroji Vakil Ahmedabad Parsi Dharamshala, a cherished landmark that blends timeless heritage with contemporary comfort.

After a period of thoughtful renovation, our dharamshala has been lovingly restored to preserve its historic essence while providing modern amenities that ensure a peaceful and comfortable stay.

Experience the Elegance of Heritage

From intricately carved woodwork to traditional architectural charm, every corner of the dharamshala echoes with stories of the past. Our goal was to create a space that honors its legacy while inviting guests to feel truly at home.

Discover Hidden Gems Within Our Premises

A Spiritual Oasis Nestled within our premises is a sacred well, revered by generations of the Parsi community in Ahmedabad. It stands as a symbol of faith, tradition, and continuity.

The Gift of Mother Earth Our dharamshala is graced by a traditional underground water tank (ટાંકુ) that naturally collects fresh, cool spring water. This natural feature not only connects us to our roots but also brings a refreshing touch to your stay.

A Culinary Delight Hospitality is at the heart of our dharamshala, and this extends to the dining experience. Our manager, Rayomand Karanjia, is not just a wonderful host but also a skilled baker and an exceptional chef who will ensure every meal is a delight to your senses.

Be Our Guest

Whether you're visiting Ahmedabad for spiritual reasons, cultural exploration, or a peaceful retreat, the Lady Bachubai Navroji Vakil Dharamshala offers a unique and memorable experience steeped in tradition and comfort.

For Bookings and Inquiries: Contact: Rayomand Karanjia Phone: +91 99136 09944

Come, step into a living legacy and make yourself at home