Motul Malaysia has thrown its support behind one of the country’s most accomplished young racing talents, partnering 17-year-old Sophia Zara Binti Mustaffa Kamal for her full 2026 motorsport campaign.
The partnership sees Motul backing the record-breaking teenager as she embarks on her most ambitious season yet, competing across multiple national championships while continuing her rise through Malaysia’s motorsport ranks.
For Motul, the collaboration goes beyond supporting a promising driver. It reflects the company’s commitment to nurturing local talent, promoting greater diversity in motorsport and helping create pathways for the next generation of racers.
“Sophia Zara represents what Motul stands for — talent, determination, and the drive to compete at the highest level. At 17, her results on track speak for themselves. Beyond racing, she is an inspiration to young girls across Malaysia. Motul is proud to support her journey and the future of Malaysian motorsports,” said Ravi Shankar, General Manager for Motul Malaysia.
More Than A Racing Driver
In just two years of competitive car racing, Sophia has already achieved what many drivers spend years chasing.
She is a three-time Malaysia Book of Records holder, recognised as the Youngest Female Racer, the Youngest Female Podium Finisher in an Endurance Race, and the Youngest Female Podium Finisher in a Sanctioned Touring Car Race.
The teenager was also named a double finalist at the Malaysia Association of Motorsport Awards 2025, further cementing her reputation as one of the country’s rising motorsport talents.
Beyond the trophies and records, Sophia has become part of a growing movement helping to increase female representation in motorsport. Her achievements demonstrate that opportunities in racing are becoming increasingly accessible to a wider and more diverse generation of competitors.
A Record-Breaking Career Gathering Momentum
Sophia’s ambitions stretch well beyond the national stage, with a wildcard seat in the F1 Academy firmly among her long-term goals.
Expressing her excitement about the partnership, Sophia said: “Being supported by Motul is a huge honour and something I am incredibly grateful for. They are a brand with an incredible legacy in motorsports, and to have them behind me for my 2026 season gives me a tremendous amount of confidence going into what is my most ambitious calendar yet. I also hope that this partnership sends a message — that girls belong in motorsports, and that there are brands out there who believe in that too.”
To support her campaign, Sophia’s race cars will utilise Motul’s flagship 300V lubricant, a product with a long-standing presence in global motorsport and developed using the company’s ESTER Core® technology.
Designed to withstand the demands of high-performance competition, the lubricant will be used across sprint races and endurance events throughout the season.
A Packed Season Ahead
Sophia’s 2026 racing programme will see her competing across four major motorsport platforms.
Her schedule includes a full campaign in the Malaysia Touring Car Championship (MTCC), a full season in Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia, selected appearances in the Malaysia Speed Festival, and the challenging Sepang 1000KM Endurance Race.
The extensive calendar will provide valuable experience across different racing formats while allowing her to continue building her credentials against some of the country’s most competitive drivers.
For Motul, the partnership represents an investment not only in a young athlete, but also in the broader future of Malaysian motorsport.
With a packed season ahead and growing support behind her, Sophia Zara enters 2026 with another opportunity to add to an already remarkable list of achievements.
CarTok Editor’s Note
Motul’s support arrives at an important stage of Sophia Zara’s career. Records and podiums may have put her on the map, but sustained backing is often what determines whether young talent can progress to the next level. Malaysian motorsport has never lacked potential; the challenge has always been turning that potential into long-term success.
