While admitting that nerves played a role in his qualifying performance, Paul di Resta insists he'll be on top of his emotions when the lights go out at Albert Park on Sunday.
Having bided his time as a tester, this weekend serves as the Scot's first in a race-seat, and understandably, there were some anxious moments for di Resta during Saturday's qualifying.
"I wasn't as nervous as I thought I was going to be, but I have to admit I was definitely nervous," explained the 24-year-old.
"It's what gets your adrenaline going. You have to be nervous to perform otherwise you are not in the right job, but it was all under control.
Di Resta qualified fourteenth, two places ahead of team-mate Adrian Sutil, who spun during his final flying lap in Q2.
"I made mistakes on each run, but that was through general lack of experience, trying to get that last little bit out of the car," di Resta said of his performance.
The Scot is under no illusions about what will be required on race day, with no room for nerves or little mistakes.
"Tomorrow is a different story. I will need to be under control, that's for sure," he admitted.
"A lot will go through my head until the race starts, but at the same time it's a new experience for me.
"I've done a race sim (simulation), but not around other cars. It will be about keeping my nose clean and seeing how it generally pans out.
"It's my first grand prix, my first race at Melbourne, so I've not much experience of that.
"It's about making sure I get off the line clean and to keep going forward if I can.
"As much as anything else, I just have to treat it as if it's another race," he added.
