Guangzhou, China, September 29, 2006. Allianz, one of the world’s largest insurance groups, today helped the WilliamsF1 Team break a new record in China, just ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix. Nico Rosberg, in the Williams FW27C race car, drove along a specially designed street section at Pearl River New Town, Guangzhou’s new business district, in a first-ever test drive by any Formula One race car on China’s public streets. The Allianz-sponsored event further enhanced Guangzhou’s status on the international sports scene as the southern China city prepares itself to host the 16th Asian Games in 2010.

More than 2,000 spectators, including senior municipal government officials, media and sports fans were enthralled with the speed, sound and thrill of the ten minute drive as Nico sped for six laps along the 1.5km race track. While Formula One has become the latest hit among sports fans in China since it was first introduced to the country in 2004, it was the first time that people in Guangzhou were able to see and hear first hand the excitement that the race itself creates. “I’m really proud to be able to perform the test drive in Guangzhou for the very first time, sharing the excitement and fun of Formula One with the people here. I am amazed by the developments that Guangzhou has achieved, and I am just really grateful to the municipal government and Allianz for making all the preparations that made the drive possible,” said Nico.

Themed “Vigorous Allianz, Dynamic Guangzhou,” the test drive highlights Allianz’s corporate commitment to promoting road safety and safe driving in China. “Formula One is the pinnacle of auto racing sports and represents the ultimate speed and endurance challenge on the ground. This challenge is also built upon the safest measures to ensure safety for the drivers. Allianz is the only insurance company in the world that has its own technology research centre, the Allianz Centre of Technology,” said Mr. Joerg-Uwe Lerch, Chief Executive Officer of Allianz Insurance Company, Guangzhou Branch.

“We’ve been working to promote road safety and safe driving in China and our efforts include the co-operation with driving schools in Guangdong to use interactive software to promote safe driving with learner drivers, and working with the education authorities to introduce road safety as part of the extra-curricular activities among primary and secondary schools.”

About Guangzhou:

Guangzhou, located at the north of the Pearl River delta, is an important trading centre as well as a busy port and the capital city of the province of Guangdong. The city has an area of over 16,000 square kilometres and a population of 6.7 million. It is South China's biggest international metropolis with flourishing commerce and China's chief foreign trade centre. It's also China's famous historical and cultural city.