Renault F1 team switches to qualifying work in Barcelona testing

The ex-McLaren driver has focused on high fuel loads and race simulation work so far during his three days of driving in 2016, logging 383 laps of the Catalunya circuit.

"It's been really important to get so many laps after being out of the car for so long," said Magnussen.

"Being able to get back in, pound round and do laps is really good.

"[On Wednesday] it will be a little bit more work on the set-up I hope, and an early look at qualifying.

"I'm looking forward to that, and then we'll do some more race running, quite normal testing."

Magnussen's mileage so far leaves him only behind Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in terms of pre-season running, while his team-mate Jolyon Palmer has completed the fewest laps of any driver with just 79.

"We've come a long way in the three days I've been in the car," said Magnussen.

"I'm very happy with the stuff we've done and I feel ready for the first race.

"We're doing well in terms of the stuff we're learning, and that's what you need to be doing in testing."

RENAULT "AROUND THE POINTS"

While Renault is yet to show what the RS16 can do over a single lap, Magnussen believes the team is currently capable of fighting to get into the top 10.

"I think we are around the points, maybe just outside, on a good day," he said.

"If we can get points from Melbourne that's a good weekend.

"It does look like around the midfield it's quite close, so it's difficult to say where we are yet.

"We have three days of running still to do and there are a lot of things to try, but nothing too big for the first race.

"We have a front wing coming that we are trying out at the end of the week with Jolyon.

"You always want more downforce and power, but we're doing well with what we have."