As part of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), The Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen invited collectors and journalists from all over the world to the launch of its new INGENIEUR Watch collection in Geneva.
IWC was thrilled to welcome the most renowned Middle East Motorsport Petrolhead and GT champion Prince Abdulaziz Turki AlFaisal as the company’s newest Friend of the Brand.
The 29-year-old, who was born in Riyadh, took his first serious steps towards racing seven years ago when he attended the Formula BMW school in Bahrain. Barely three years later, he was crowned champion of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East 2009/2010 with nine wins and 12 podium finishes. He won the championship again in 2012 to cement his status in the region.
ATF, as he is known amongst his friends and fans, is currently defending his title as the new season came to life last November.
Last year, he became the first Arab to win a race in the FIA GT3 European Championship when he triumphed on his debut race in Algarve, Portugal, racing for the team Need For Speed Schubert.
But while the tireless Saudi has much to celebrate thus far in his career, his greatest goal is to conquer the prestigious 24 hours of Le Mans race, where he has participated twice already, but is yet to complete.
“It is an absolute honor to be named an official IWC Ambassador and to be recognized by the IWC family. To me, IWC brand is a name I can trust,” said Al-Faisal.
“We are excited to have Prince Abdulaziz as an IWC Friend of the Brand,” said Maxime Ferté Regional Director IWC Middle East – North Africa – India. “ATF is a naturally-gifted performer whose personality, distinctive character and performance have made him one of the brightest new stars to emerge from the region.