Lewis Hamilton stayed in tune with his Brazilian fans on Wednesday by calling up soccer star Neymar ahead of a big weekend for the Briton’s bid for a record eighth Formula One championship.

The Mercedes driver told reporters he hoped to watch his friend in the World Cup qualifier between five-time champions Brazil and Colombia on Thursday night.

“I’m very much in contact with Neymar. We were just talking earlier today,” said the Briton at a news conference for team sponsor Petronas.

Fangio’s resting place

Argentines lined the streets of Juan Manuel Fangio’s birthplace on Wednesday to applaud as the remains of the 1950s F1 great went on one last lap to a new resting place in the museum housing his cars.