Pierre Gasly has said there are numerous areas where Alpine must find "improvements" ahead of the new F1 season getting underway in Melbourne.
Nonetheless, the French driver is "feeling positive" about the campaign ahead, with Team Enstone a Mercedes power unit customer for the first time, having relinquished its works entry status.
The 30-year-old completed the sixth-most laps of any driver across the private shakedown in Barcelona and the two official tests in Bahrain, and was eighth-quickest in the final three days of running in Sakhir.
Commenting on the "unusual" nature of the pre-season period, given the extended running on account of the regulations overhaul, Gasly underlined the importance of maximising track time, with Alpine right in the middle of the order when it comes to laps completed.
"It has been a very busy month for us, something which, in February of any Formula 1 season, is quite unusual," the one-time grand prix winner said after testing concluded.
"We have had 10 on-track days already in the A526 split across Silverstone, Barcelona and Bahrain, and I am definitely feeling ready and excited to go racing once again.
"Normally, at this stage of a season, we have a day and a half in the car as preparation, and then we go racing. This time, we have had four and a half days, which, with a new car, is so important as there is so much to learn and understand."
With over 1,000 laps under the A526's belt, Alpine is well positioned to move significantly up the F1 pecking order after finishing last in the constructors' standings in 2025. However, there is a lot of work to do, according to Gasly.
"I am pleased with our work in the last month, and it has been an incredible effort from everyone at the team," he added.
"We have a lot to look at, and there are certainly a number of areas where we need to work hard for us to find some improvements.
"I am feeling positive, pleased with all our hard work so far, and I will spend two days at Enstone on the simulator and with the team next week to prepare for the return to racing.
"It is an exciting time, and I look forward to putting in the hours ahead of Australia."
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