A Ferrari Formula One car made an early pitstop here before September's Singapore Grand Prix, courtesy of Shell. The oil company is a technical partner of the Italian F1 racing team and is celebrating its 61st year of collaboration.

On display: Mr Chu holding a limited edition 1:38 scale model of seven Ferrari cars. The Ferrari showcar is in the background

As part of the celebrations, Shell also launched a limited edition 1:38 scale model collection of seven Ferrari cars.

The mix of new and historic Gran Turismo models comprises representations of the FXX, 599 GTB Fiorano, F430 Challenge, 250 GTO, F40, Challenge Stradale and 575 GTC. Purchasing Shell petrol or engine oil entitles customers to buy one of the toy cars.

'With the F1 race coming to Singapore this year, the introduction of the range is timely in celebrating our shared passion for Shell V-Power, which has been developed as Ferrari fuel for the road,' said Henry Chu, general manager for retail sales and operations at Shell Eastern Petroleum.

There is no engine under the showcar's bodyshell, which is based on the actual car that was raced during the Ferrari team's 2004 season. The public can view it until Sunday at the Shell Pasir Ris station on New Loyang Link.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Feb 23 2008.