Fernando Alonso is impatient to discover the impact of Formula 1's new regulations, insisting the sport's overhaul was the very reason he returned to the fray last year.
Alpine unveiled its new A522 on Monday, the car it hopes will carry the French outfit and its drivers further up the running order.
Alonso heads into his second season with Alpine, but in many respects, it will be a first for the Spaniard as it will be for his rivals who will power into the unknown this week when F1's pre-season testing kicks off in Barcelona.
"Last year was more of a transitional one for the team and obviously a continuation of the 2020 cars," said Alonso.
"However, we still managed to achieve some fantastic results like Esteban’s win in Hungary and my podium in Qatar.
©Alpine
"This year, though, there is a real feeling of optimism in the team. We’ve worked hard in Enstone and Viry over the winter.
"We will not know where everyone stands until the cars are wheeled out for the first time in Barcelona, but the anticipation of this moment is always special for everyone involved."
Asked during Monday's launch if F1's new regulation platform will prove a game changer for Grand Prix racing's midfield outfits, Alonso said: "I hope so! I came back to the sport because of these regulations, so it has been one year and a half waiting for these cars!
"I think the team did an amazing job in the last year, building this car, so we are all very motivated."
©Alpine
But the decisive litmus test is yet to come for F1, and two-time world champion and 32-time Grand Prix winner is crossing his fingers that F1's new rules will fulfil their objective of producing closer racing.
"We have been asking for closer racing between cars, especially in the corners," he said.
"We will have to wait and see if these regulations allow closer racing, but I will never be upset with the idea of more exciting racing.
"The sport is moving in the right direction off track too, thanks to the introduction of things like a budget cap.
"We hope it can bring more fairer racing between all of the teams with limits on spending to stop others outspending the rest."
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