Alpine's Fernando Alonso is expecting a few surprises when F1 teams finally show their true colors in qualifying next weekend in Bahrain.
Red Bull topped the timesheet in pre-season testing with Max Verstappen while Mercedes struggled with reliability and handling issues. However, the two front-running competitors are expect to be at each other's throat come race day.
But the midfield battle appears as indecisive as ever, with McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Alpine expected to duke it out at Sakhir for the final step of the podium.
Alpine enjoyed a solid three days of running in Bahrain, which has boosted Alonso's confidence although the F1 returnee believes anything can happen in the opening round of 2021.
"We covered a lot of mileage during testing, which is important as it gives you something to build on for the rest of the season," said the two-time world champion in Alpine's Bahrain GP preview.
"We also completed most of our programme during the three days in Bahrain, so we are relatively pleased on that front.
"In terms of performance it’s too early to tell, and I think we won’t know the true pecking order of the grid until the first qualifying session on Saturday where everyone has low fuel, the fastest tyres fitted and full power from the engine. I expect there will be a few surprises."
Alonso has put behind him the cycling mishap suffered during his physical preparation, while the Spaniard's motivation is intact on the eve of his return to the fray in F1 after a two-year absence.
"I’m very excited for the entire weekend," he said. "There has been a lot of preparation for this moment, not only with the team during testing and the work done at both factories over the winter period, but also personally.
"Ever since I agreed to join Alpine F1 Team, I have put a lot of effort in to be both physically and mentally prepared for this season.
"I learnt a lot in my time away from Formula 1, especially all the different styles of racing, but I’m now back in F1 and very motivated for what should be a challenging season ahead.
"It was fun to be back at the wheel of an F1 car for testing, but now I can’t wait to go racing."
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