Flavio Briatore: Father figure

F1-Live reports Fernando Alonso said just that in an interview with Italian magazine Grazia, saying he owed his career to the Renault team principal.

The Spaniard also said he considers himself a normal person away from the track, valuing time with family and friends, relaxing, and playing sports in his down time.

Alonso said he struggled with the initial shock of celebrity, but he has adopted methods to cope with it.

Heidfeld in danger of losing his seat?

That is the opinion of former Formula 1 racer Hans-Joachim Stuck, if his fellow German cannot up his game and out qualify teammate Robert Kubica.

Setanta, quoting the German Web site spox.com, said Stuck believes Heidfeld’s lack of superstar status will eventually cost him his BMW Sauber drive. This, despite the fact he trails his teammate by only four points in the championship.

Stuck even goes so far as to speculate BMW Sauber head Dr. Mario Theissen has held “secret” talks with such “superstars” already.

Fisi prepares for his 200th

Giancarlo Fisichella would like to mark his 200th race by scoring Force India’s first points of the season.

ITV reports the Italian said eighth place -- one point -- is his target.

Force India’s technical guru Mike Gascoyne believes Monaco offers an opportunity to do just that, saying he was pleased with the results of last week’s runs at Paul Ricard, where the team tested a special aero package for the streets of Monte Carlo.

Fisichella will be the ninth driver to reach his 200th race.