F1 drivers talk up their countries’ WCup chances, with Brazil and Spain paddock favorites

F1 drivers get into World Cup spirit

ISTANBUL — Mark Webber has high hopes for Australia and Michael Schumacher believes in Germany’s World Cup chances, two sentiments Rubens Barrichello finds amusing.

“I feel sorry for you guys,” said Barrichello, a Brazilian native whose country is the favorite for a sixth title next month.

Although F1’s busy schedule won’t let drivers make the long trip to South Africa, some were talking up their country’s chances at the Turkish Grand Prix on Thursday.

Webber had fingers crossed that Australia gets a chance to play England, which Jenson Button believes is set to become champion for the first time since 1966.

Fernando Alonso warned Barrichello about Spain, the European champion, saying “Don’t trust him too much. A surprise can happen.”