Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Leo Messi Automatic Chronograph Stainless Steel Men's Watch 26325TS.OO.D005CR.01

13th April 2011, Shanghai ‐ Swiss luxury watchmaking brand Audemars Piguet presented its new Icon, motor racing legend Michael Schumacher at a series of events in Shanghai.

Seven‐time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher flew into Shanghai on Wednesday afternoon, making his first appearance for the brand in the Asia Pacific region. An intimate group of around 40 VIP guests and more than 10 supercar owners were treated to a driving clinic by Michael Schumacher at the Shanghai Tianma Circuit. Besides sharing tips with the guests, Mr. Schumacher also treated them to a demonstration of his superb driving skills on the track in a Mercedes‐AMG SLS AMG car. The adrenaline‐filled afternoon also included a regularity racing competition amongst the supercar owners on the Tianma circuit.

The CEO of Audemars Piguet Hong Kong and China, Mr. David von Gunten commented, "Shanghai is one of the world's most important luxury goods' markets and the centre of motor racing in China. With Michael as a motor racing legend and Audemars Piguet new Icon, the choice of venue for this event was obvious, giving our valued guests the opportunity to see him in action on the track."

As the event at the track came to a close, guests donned their finery for a cocktail reception and gala dinner at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shanghai Pudong. Around 100 guests got the opportunity to meet and speak with Audemars Piguet Icon Michael Schumacher at the cocktail reception. This was followed by a lavish dinner featuring fine food, wine, live jazz music and an audacious presentation of models in racing outfits wearing the latest offerings from the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore timepiece collections.

"It's been a great privilege for me to be able to take part in the Audemars Piguet event here in Shanghai. I'm very excited to be able to meet so many people who are as passionate about cars as me. I've always been a fan of the brand and I am proud to be here as Audemars Piguet's ambassador for the very first time," said Michael Schumacher.

Mr. Oliviero Bottinelli, Managing Director of Audemars Piguet Asia explained why the master watchmaker has chosen Schumacher to represent the brand, "Michael Schumacher is not only the greatest racing driver of all time, he is also a big‐hearted, discreet and altruistic individual who dedicates his reputation to good causes. He shares our passion for precision engineering and innovative creations and is a perfect match for our brand."

Proceeds raised from March's closed charity auction will go to help The China Children and Teenagers' Fund (CCTF) in its initiative to establish educational facilities for children from some of China's most deprived areas.

About The China Children and Teenagers' Fund (CCTF)
The China Children and Teenagers' Fund is the first independent, non‐profit charity organization in China, established in 1981 by individuals dedicated to resolving youth welfare issues. CCTF operates under the governance of the All‐China Women's Federation and the supervision of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the PRC. CCTF is a b and well connected charity that helps hundreds of thousands of children and teenagers every year. In order to reach out and build a better future for China's children, our mission is and has always been to care for, foster, and educate children and teenagers in China, especially in the minority and impoverished regions.

Michael Schumacher
Born January 3rd 1969 at Hurth‐Hermulheim (Germany), married, two children

World Championship Titles
Michael Schumacher ‐ 7
Juan M. Fangio (Argentina) ‐ 5
Alain Prost (France) ‐ 4

Grand Prix victories
Michael Schumacher ‐ 91
Alain Prost (France) ‐ 51
Ayrton Senna (Brazil) ‐ 41

Victories in one season
Michael Schumacher ‐ 2004 ‐ 13
Michael Schumacher ‐ 2002 ‐ 11
Nigel Mansell (United Kingdom) ‐ 1992 ‐ 9
Michael Schumacher ‐ 1995, 2000, 2001 ‐ 9

Pole Positions
Michael Schumacher ‐ 68
Ayrton Senna (Brazil) ‐ 65
Jim Clark (United Kingdom) ‐ 33
Alain Prost (France) ‐ 33

Podium Finishes
Michael Schumacher ‐ 154
Alain Prost (France) ‐ 106
Ayrton Senna (Brazil) ‐ 80

World Championship Points
Michael Schumacher ‐ 1441
Fernando Alonso (Spain) ‐ 829
Alain Prost (France) ‐ 798,5

Points in one season
Michael Schumacher ‐ 2004 ‐ 148
Michael Schumacher ‐ 2002 ‐ 144
Michael Schumacher ‐ 2001 - 123

Fastest laps
Michael Schumacher ‐ 76
Alain Prost (France) ‐ 41
Kimi Räikkönnen (Finland) ‐ 35