Mark Webber claims he is ready for the new Formula One campaign, arguing he has matched team-mate Sebastian Vettel in pre-season.
Vettel has swept all before him since 2010, winning the last three drivers' championships, with Webber often appearing frustrated by not being able to replicate his Red Bull team-mate's success.
But based on pre-season testing, Webber believes he can match the 25-year-old German in 2013 and cannot wait to prove it on race day.
"I've been very quick and very comparable, so that's been good," Webber said in Sydney on Sunday.
"So, yeah, we're in the ballgame.
"I'm just looking forward to getting in the car and doing that bit (driving) rather than all the other stuff.
"Testing's good but we just want to get racing now."
The 2013 F1 season starts next week at the street circuit in Melbourne, where Webber has never reached the podium.
And the 36-year-old Australian is desperate to turn his form around at his home Grand Prix.
"I've been on the podiums at most tracks around the world and have won at quite a few circuits and Melbourne is one which I would like to add to that," Webber said.
"I really enjoy driving at the track, the atmosphere is fantastic."