The jitters and restlessness are setting in for Lando Norris ahead of his first ever Grand Prix, and the McLaren rookie admits he is now eager to get Melbourne "out of the way".
The Woking-based outfit's new recruit steps up into the bid time this year after a successful career in the junior ranks and a couple of season of grooming by McLaren.
Along with team mate Carlos Sainz, Norris put as much mileage under his belt in pre-season testing as McLaren could afford, even topping the time sheet at one point last week.
But while good preparation is key, it's also half the battle and the young Brit is prepping for a whole new set of challenges in Australia.
"If I compare to how prepared I felt coming into [testing] compared to how I feel now I feel I am in a much better position in terms of knowing what I need to be doing and what I need to do to achieve a good result if I get the opportunity in Melbourne," he added.
"From that side of things I feel much more confident and I feel I can do the job I need to be doing when I get to the first race."
©McLaren
Still, a maiden Grand Prix is a milestone in a drivers' career, although Norris admits the memory he'll cherish later on will likely depend on how events unfold around Albert Park.
"It will be a big moment going into my first race, so I don’t know what I’ll think of it after, it depends if I have a great result or not so great result. Hopefully a good one," Norris said.
"I just want to get the first one out of the way and I’m sure I’ll gain more confidence going into the first part of the season.
"I think my aim for now is to make sure I am comfortable and confident going into race one and that I come out the same way."
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