Alonso insists he is just a 'normal guy'

Fernando Alonso may be one of Formula One's highest-paid stars, a two-time F1 champion, and one of the most famous sportsmen in the world but the Spaniard insists that he is just a "normal guy" like many fans who watch the sport.

Alonso won the world championship in 2005 and 2006 but has found success hard to come by in recent seasons, with McLaren having engine reliability issues with Honda.

With Renault providing parts for McLaren now, the pressure and expectations have grown around Alonso and the team. He will also be competing in the world endurance championship this season, but even with the increased fanfare and chances of success, he insists he is just a down-to-earth man whose family is the priority.

"Ma family is the basis of my life," Alonso told Germany's Bild.

"I share everything with them, I tell them about my thoughts, my dreams and my future objectives. I never do anything without discussing it first with my family.

"I often travel and I take the time to call them before or after taking a plane, regardless of the time zone I happen to be in. I try to talk to them on Skype."

Lewis Hamilton is known for living a glamorous lifestyle and even opted to go to a fashion awards ceremony at the end of last season rather than a prestigious F1 event, but Alonso is perhaps the antithesis to this as he lives a quiet lifestyle in his home in Lugano.]

"You know, I'm a very normal guy, a normal kid, a normal friend," the Spaniard confessed.

"I know the price of a bottle of milk at the supermarket in Lugano, where I live. I also like to cook and go to the movies.

"When you're a Formula 1 driver, everyone goes out of their way to please you, whether it's the team or the sponsors..

"But outside of F1, I handle my own travel reservations and compare the prices online. I'm careful with my spending. In my daily life, I take care of my own problems."