Saidatul Zakirah Eyes European Glory While Leading HI-REV TZR’s 2026 Campaign

The Malaysian racer balances superbike competition, law studies, and international ambitions in a pivotal year with HI-REV Triple Zed Racing.

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For most riders, balancing local racing commitments alone is already a huge challenge. But for young Malaysian racer Saidatul Zakirah, better known as Kirah, 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest year of her career so far.

Fresh from the official launch of HI-REV Triple Zed Racing Team’s 2026 MSF Superbike Championship lineup, Kirah enters the season not only as one of the team’s leading riders in the Super Rookie category, but also as a Malaysian rider continuing to chase success on the European stage.

The young rider will once again compete aboard the team’s Triumph Street Triple 675 while simultaneously racing internationally in the 2026 FIM Women’s European Championship under Italian outfit Sommariva Corse.

While many riders would focus solely on one championship, Kirah now faces the demanding challenge of balancing two racing campaigns across different continents.

In fact, her international commitments are so important that she will miss the opening round of the 2026 MSF Superbike Championship as she flies to Italy for her European race weekend. Filling in temporarily will be Team Principal Zhafir Zamani, who returns to race in the Supersport category aboard the team’s Triumph Street Triple 675.

For Kirah, however, the opportunity to race in Europe remains her biggest focus this season.

“I already have a contract with the Italian team, so that has to become my priority because this is the biggest race of my career so far,” she explained.

“My target is to fight for first-place podiums in every round so I can catch up in the championship standings and hopefully become the overall champion because that’s what our team is aiming for this year.”

Despite the growing expectations, Kirah admits that her preparation this season goes far beyond simply riding a motorcycle fast.

Away from the racetrack, she is also pursuing a law degree, making her daily schedule extremely demanding as she balances studies, fitness training and racing preparation all at once.

“Right now physically, my schedule is really packed. I wake up at 4am to go to the gym before class. My classes usually start at 9am and finish around 6pm. After that I rest, finish assignments and revision, then I go back to the gym again at around 8pm,” she shared with a little laugh.

“That’s basically my routine every day, although sometimes I can’t fully train because there are meetings and university work. My studies are still my priority and since I’m studying law, it’s not easy to balance everything.”

Still, Kirah believes the people around her have played a huge role in helping her remain mentally strong throughout the demanding journey.

“Mentally, it’s not just about myself. I have people around me who constantly motivate and support me. I always remind myself that I can become better and better, but at the same time I also appreciate how far I’ve already come.”

Back in Malaysia, Kirah remains confident heading into the MSF Superbike Championship after developing a strong connection with her Triumph Street Triple 675 last season.

“This year I’m racing the Triumph Street Triple 675 again and honestly the bike felt really good last year. Abang Zhafir has taken really good care of the bike and right now it’s still my favourite machine to ride,” she said.

“The brakes feel good, cornering feels smooth and the power and top speed are there too. I feel ready for this season.”

Kirah’s journey now represents more than just another Malaysian racing story. Balancing university life, local superbike racing and international competition simultaneously, the young rider continues proving that determination and discipline can open doors far beyond local circuits.

As HI-REV TZR prepares for the new season with a stronger and more experienced lineup, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Kirah as she attempts to turn one of the busiest years of her life into her biggest breakthrough yet.