Sebastien Buemi Joins Audemars Piguet Formula 1 Ambassadors

Underscoring its tradition of participation with motor racing, Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has announced its sponsorship of young Swiss Formula 1 driver Sebastien Buemi.  Buemi, 20, who hails from the Canton of Vaud, will undertake his first race of the 2009 season in Melbourne, Australia later this month piloting a Ferrari-engined Toro Rosso car.  The partnership between Audemars Piguet and Buemi was officially formed on February 27, 2009.  

"For Audemars Piguet, partnering this young man with a resolutely fighting spirit was an entirely natural choice," said Philippe Merk, CEO of Audemars Piguet at the contract signing. "He embodies our brand values through the Tradition of a family firmly anchored in the world of motor sports, the excellence of his career to date, and the daring he has displayed in reaching the highest level of his discipline."

Sebastien Buemi began his motor racing career in his early childhood, and racked up impressive results quickly.  A Swiss champion in the mini category by 9 years of age, Buemi went on to become the European Go-Cart champion in 2002; from here, he took up racing single-seater cars, quickly gaining the attention of sponsors, including Red Bull, who gave the young man a five year contract.  In 2005, Buemi became BMW vice champion, and in 2007 and 2008 respectively, he claimed the Formula 3 vice champion and GP2 Asian series vice champion titles.  By 2007, then 18-year old Buemi had earned the spot of third driver on the F1 Red Bull team.   A contract signed with Scuderia Toro Rosso in December of 2008 represented his full ascension into the ranks of Formula 1 racing.  Buemi is one of the brightest hopes for modern Swiss F1 stardom, following in the tradition of such illustrious names as Clay Regazzoni, Marc Surer, and Tuolo de Graffenreid.  

Going forward as an Audemars Piguet sports ambassador, Sebastien Buemi will represent the venerable Swiss house wearing the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, one of the truly great icons in the category of high luxury sports timepieces.