Aishwarya Pissay Becomes First Asian Woman in World Rally-Raid

In a landmark achievement for motorsport, Aishwarya Pissay has become the first woman from India and Asia to compete on two wheels at Round 4 of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal 2025, taking place from September 22–28.

Pissay entered the W2RC Rally2 Women’s class as a privateer, supported by a distinguished group of partners including TVS Racing. Her campaign blends the independence of a solo effort with institutional backing, marking a unique model of collaboration in rally-raid racing.

"I am proud to represent India and Asia at this level. Racing as an independent competitor with the support of TVS Racing and our ecosystem of partners makes this mission even more meaningful. This is a bold step forward for me, and for every girl who dreams of Dakar," said Pissay.

The BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal 2025 spans 2,000 km, including 1,225 km of competitive selective sections over 5 stages plus a prologue. Riders face 100 percent gravel and dirt tracks across Portugal’s Alentejo and Ribatejo regions, and Spain’s Extremadura, in a 7-day, 6 selective section format.

This campaign is a crucial step in Pissay’s journey toward the Dakar Rally 2027, where she aims to become the first Indian woman to race and finish the grueling event, a milestone no woman from Asia has yet achieved.