Diana Pundole heads to Bahrain for latest round of Passione Ferrari Middle East
Indian racing driver Diana Pundole returns to the track for one final time in 2025, as she continues her participation in the 2025/26 Passione Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East. Round 2 of the series sees the Indian racing champion back behind the wheel of the Aligned Automation-backed Ferrari 296 Challenge at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain.
From starting out competing in touring cars in her native India, claiming the 2024 title to become India’s first female motorsport champion, Diana has progressed to gain experience at the wheel of a variety of GT machinery and different racing formats at circuits across the globe. Her 2025/26 campaign now sees an exciting move at the wheel of a Ferrari, racing with the well-established and extremely successful Dubai-based Dragon Racing team.
“As a racing driver, this is a real ‘pinch-me’ moment,” explained Diana, in the build up to her Bahrain race weekend. “The first event was pretty overwhelming and a lot to process, with the new car, a new team, a new championship and a step up in performance. This weekend’s event in Bahrain will be a really exciting opportunity, and I’m looking forward to being back out on track to see what we can achieve. Every lap is more experience, and we have a clear plan for the weekend and the season. I cannot wait.”
Diana will make her second appearance in the championship this weekend, having debuted in Abu Dhabi last month with a 4th place finish. Her journey to this point has seen victories and impressive performances across her native India, the Middle East and Europe. In 2018, she took part in the Indian Talent Hunt for women in motorsport competition, finishing inside the top-6 from over 200 entrants. From here, Diana took this opportunity and continued to shine over the following season. With victories and further podiums, Diana’s career saw her became India’s first female motorsport champion in 2024. She took the crown in the MRF Saloon Cars National Championship, racing on a level playing field against more experienced drivers.
Round 2 of Passione Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East takes place 19-20 December, at the Bahrain International Circuit.