Alpine A523 still 'building up to maximum level' – Gasly

Alpine is revving up ahead of the start of the 2023 F1 season, but the French outfit still has a way to go before its A523 contender reaches its "maximum level" ensures Pierre Gasly.

Alpine worked quietly through its three days of pre-season testing last week in Bahrain, giving off an unassuming impression.

But the team nevertheless ticked all the boxes of its programme which focused in priority on building up a clear understanding of its new A523 car.

Gasly is now feeling more than ready to make his race debut with his new team, although he admitted that it will likely take him a few events to completely settle in.

• Read also: Ocon declares new Alpine A523 'a very good surprise'

"Since my first test in December with the team in Abu Dhabi, I’ve been looking forward to this moment, and now it’s almost here," commented the Frenchman ahaed of this weekend's curtain-raiser in Bahrain.

"All my focus is on preparing well for the race weekend and I’m already eager for my first qualifying laps in the A523 before we battle on Sunday in the race.

"I know it will take a bit of time to get totally comfortable with the team and the car, but right now, I’m definitely confident that we can have a strong race here in Bahrain and the target is to come away with some points in the bag and begin the season in the best way possible."

Last Saturday, upon the conclusion of pre-season testing, Gasly was left with the impression that Alpine has a "solid car" on its hands, although one with still a lot of potential to unlock.

"I jumped out of the car on Saturday afternoon feeling pretty happy with the work we achieved during the week and with confidence that we have a solid car," he said.

"I feel right at home at this team, and it’s been great to get comfortable straight away.

"We’re still building up to our maximum level and I know we have some good upgrades on the way, which, as a driver, is great to hear.

"We will see where we are this weekend relative to our competitors but, for now, I’m pleased with where we’re at heading into the first race."

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