With the inaugural Formula One Grand Prix in Singapore less than six months away, motorsports fanatics who have decided that they're going to support Ferrari or McLaren can now pick up official merchandise to show their allegiance.

Paddock Line is the latest player in town to feed on the F1 frenzy that is building up towards September's inaugural grand prix, with a 50 square meter store in Vivocity specialising in motorsports merchandise.

In addition to the items from mainstays Ferrari and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, it also stocks paraphernalia from other teams like this season's surprise package BMW Sauber, to fringe teams like Toyota, Red Bull, Toro Rosso, and even newcomers Force India.

That's seven out of 11 teams taking part in this year's F1 season.

Precisport - the company that founded Paddock Line in 1992 - specialises in the management of image rights and intellectual property of drivers and trademarks related to the world of motorsports.

It operates 10 stores in Spain, and the retail space at VivoCity's Spain2Dream section is its first foray outside of the country.

Mr Jaime Lopez, general manager of Precisport, is optimistic that Singaporeans' appetite for motorsports will extend to their desire to buy merchandise associated with Formula One teams.

"The potential of the city, plus the professional partners we are working with at Spain2Dream and VivoCity make us confident that our brand is in good hands," said Mr Lopez at the store's media launch last week.

In fact, there are already plans to open a second outlet in Singapore, with expansion into the region also on the cards.

Mr Lopez estimates the value of the global market for Formula One related merchandise to be in excess of $400 million.

KEEPING IT REAL

Precisport is the only worldwide sub-licensee that has the rights to produce Ferrari merchandise, other than Ferrari itself.

Other exclusive licences that Precisport has secured with the various racing teams also ensure that any item you pick up in the store is authentic, and true to the spirit of the team you support.

While you might be tempted to pick up a 'budget' Ferrari T-shirt from your neighbourhood pasar malam, David Gomez, Director of Paddock Line, stressed the importance of going for originals, "We offer quality... and reality."

REAL OR BLUFF

As the September 28 race day approaches, here are some ways to ensure that the shirt, cap, jacket or bag is the real thing you are thinking of buying is not a knock-off.

1. Holographic Labels: The genuine article will come with a high quality tag, and in the case of Ferrari, will also have a holographic logo attached. (pictured on the left)

2. Price: The real thing will not come cheap. Expect to pay a significant premium for authentic merchandise. e.g. Ferrari T-shirts will not retail for $20.

3. Store: If you are buying from a shifty-eyed peddler on a foldable table in a back alley, chances are you're getting a fake. Buy from reputable retailers like Paddock Line, or authorised stalls within the confines of the Singapore street circuit come September.

Paddock Line is located at 1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-18 VivoCity