Bengaluru’s Aishwarya Pissay, already a 3-time FIM Baja World Champion and 11-time National Champion, has written a new chapter in Indian and Asian motorsport history. At the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal 2025, Round 4 of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), Aishwarya became the first woman from Asia and India to win the Rally2  Women’s category. Her feat is even more remarkable considering the grueling nature of the competition and the presence of elite international riders. Not only did she top her class, but she also finished 27th overall, demonstrating exceptional skill, endurance, and determination in one of the world’s toughest rally-raid series.

Rally Overview: Portugal’s Gravel Challenge

The BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal is renowned for its challenging terrain. Riders cover a total distance of 2,000 km, with 1,225 km across six competitive stages, including the Prologue. The tracks, spread across Portugal and Spain, consist entirely of gravel, demanding high levels of technical skill, physical endurance, and mental focus. Organized under the joint authority of FIM and FIA, the rally is a crucial part of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship, attracting top riders from around the globe. For Aishwarya, navigating these challenging tracks as a privateer added an extra layer of difficulty, making her win all the more impressive.

Racing as a Privateer: Hardwork and Independence

Unlike factory-supported riders, privateers rely heavily on personal discipline, strategic planning, and limited resources. Aishwarya Pissay, supported by TVS Racing and a coalition of partners, demonstrated the power of determination and independence. Competing without the extensive infrastructure of a factory team, she relied on her training, experience, and determination  to overcome the extreme conditions of the rally. Her victory is a proof to how hardwork  and preparation can turn challenges into milestones, inspiring both seasoned racers and aspiring athletes alike.

A Personal Milestone with Global Impact

For Aishwarya, this win is more than just a title. “This win means the world to me. Becoming the first woman from Asia and India to win at this level is not just a personal milestone, it’s a message to every young girl who dreams beyond limits,” she said. Her achievement resonates beyond the world of motorsport it’s a ray of hope  for women everywhere, demonstrating that gender is no barrier to success in high-stakes, high-performance fields. Her journey, from national championships to the global rally stage, reflects years of dedication, rigorous training, and personal sacrifice. She not only represents India but also serves as a role model for young women aiming to break into male-dominated sports.

Technical Expertise and Skill

Rally-raid racing demands both technical skill and mental toughness. Aishwarya’s ability to maintain speed, control, and strategic decision-making over long, rugged gravel tracks was critical to her success. Managing navigation, mechanical reliability, and endurance across thousands of kilometers requires more than raw speed; it requires foresight, adaptability, and composure under pressure. Her 27th-place overall finish highlights her competitiveness not just among women riders but across the entire field of elite international racers.

Strengthening the Dakar 2027 Campaign

This victory is also a significant step in Aishwarya’s Dakar 2027 campaign, where she aims to become the first Indian woman to compete and finish on two wheels in the iconic rally. The experience gained from Portugal grappling with extreme terrain, managing fatigue, and mastering race strategy will be invaluable for the world’s toughest rally. Each stage conquered, every kilometer endured, strengthens her confidence and builds momentum toward achieving her next ambitious goal. With this historic win, Aishwarya Pissay continues to solidify her status as India’s most successful female racer. Her story demonstrates that success is not just about winning a race it’s about breaking stereotypes, inspiring others, and pushing personal and societal limits.