Portugal: Motorsport witnessed a breakthrough moment this week as Aishwarya Pissay etched her name in history, becoming the first woman from both Asia and India to compete on two wheels at the prestigious FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). She is racing in Round 4 of the series – the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal 2025 – which runs from 22–28 September.
Taking part in the W2RC Rally2, Women’s class as a privateer, Aishwarya has brought to life a rare model of collaboration. Though racing independently, she carries the strong backing of TVS Racing and a select group of partners who are enabling her bid to scale new heights.
Aishwarya Pissay is no stranger to creating milestones. A 3-time FIM Baja World Champion and an 11-time Indian National Champion across road racing and cross-country formats, she stands as the most decorated woman in Indian motorsport history. With every race, she continues to redefine what’s possible for Indian athletes on the global stage.
“I’m 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,” Aishwarya said with emotion, moments before taking on the gravel-dirt tracks of Portugal and Spain.
The BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal 2025 is no ordinary contest. Spread across the picturesque yet punishing regions of Alentejo and Ribatejo in Portugal and Extremadura in Spain, the rally features a total distance of 2,000 km, of which 1,225 km are competitive stages. Riders must endure 5 stages and a prologue over a week, tackling 100% gravel and dirt terrains – a true test of skill, stamina, and resilience.
For Aishwarya, this campaign is more than just a race; it is a crucial step towards her ultimate dream – Dakar 2027. Should she succeed, she will aim to become the first Indian woman, and the first Asian woman, to race and finish the legendary Dakar Rally on two wheels.
Her Portugal campaign is being supported by TVS Racing, Paddock Media House, R9 Stables, Vamcy Merla, Micro Labs, India Racing Bazar, and Jatin Jain – a consortium that shares her vision of placing Indian motorsport on the global map.
This moment is more than a personal milestone. It is a bold statement that motorsport in India is no longer on the fringes, but steadily racing into the heart of global competition – powered by trailblazers like Aishwarya Pissay.
