Seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher flew into Shanghai on April 13 to make his first appearance for Audemars Piguet in the Asia Pacific region prior to the Grand Prix in the Chinese city on April 18 in his new role as Icon for the brand.

Around 40 VIPs and more than 10 supercar owners were treated to a driving clinic by Schumacher at the Shanghai Tianma Circuit. Besides sharing tips with the guests, the driver also treated them to a demonstration of his driving skills on the track in a Mercedes-AMG SLS AMG. The adrenaline-filled afternoon also included a regularity racing competition among the supercar owners on the Tianma circuit.

As the event at the track came to a close, guests mingled at a cocktail reception and gala dinner at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Pudong. Around 100 guests got the opportunity to meet Schumacher at the cocktail reception. After dinner, models showed off 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 the star driver.

CEO of Audemars Piguet Hong Kong and China, David von Gunten added, “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.”

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