There is much to be done, admits Audi boss, Mattia Binotto following Barcellona shakedown.

The German team completed 240 laps in total, along with Cadillac's 165, the fewest over the course of the five days.

Like its fellow 'newbie', the shakedown offered a chance to test its trackside operation, from reliability to logistics, operational procedures to pit equipment, everything was under scrutiny.

An issue on the opening day meant Gabrial Bortoleto only completed 28 laps, but by the final day the Brazilian and his German teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, were able to complete 144.

Though the German outfit admits that the opening day was an emotional one, it was somewhat overshadowed by the technical issues that sidelined its driver.

"It's a lot of work for the entire team," admits Binotto, "it's a lot of work for the drivers, for the engineers back at home, fixing all the problems, design, operational, whatever we have seen.

"So, it's really for us, no stones are left unturned," he continued. "All the details need to be managed and need to be fixed, so we've got a very long list. A very, very long list. I've never seen such a long list," says the former Ferrari boss.

"But I think that's great because the team is really committed, willing to improve and to come to Bahrain in a better shape," he added.

"We know that there is a lot for us to build, a lot to grow. These three days of running have been very important. However, I think we are doing well for where we are on our journey.

"Reliability is always very critical and we had several problems, small ones, not dramatic, and I think here again there are a lot of positive looking forwards."

Of course, Audi isn't only entering as a constructor but as a manufacturer, one of two new power units on the 2026 grid.

"I'm not expecting our powertrains to be the best at the start," he admits, "that would be impossible and unrealistic, but I think we are on our journey and we need to stay focused on ourselves.

"Our task to be successful by 2030 may be perceived as a long way away, but it is not, it is tomorrow and the day after and we are staying focused on ourselves and staying humble.

"We may face problems during the season, we may face reliability failures, but what will count most for me is the team reacting properly, with no stone left unturned and learning from the problem and showing capacity in progressing.

"If we will be capable of progressing race-by-race, no doubt with the means we have got, with the full commitment of Audi as a brand, we may become as strong as the others, if not better."