Driving the RS16 on the first two days of the opening test and then the final two days of the second test, Palmer suffered technical issues on three of the four days he was in the car.
Consigning him to just 273 laps over the course of testing, rookie Palmer's workload proved significantly less than that of his team-mate Magnussen, who enjoyed a largely trouble-free four days at 509 laps.
Indeed, Palmer admits the preparations have been 'a little bit disastrous' thus far, but he remains confident he can bring himself up to speed when racing gets underway.
“It has been a little bit disastrous to be honest,” he said, speaking ahead of the final afternoon of running. “I don't think we have done 200 laps yet for four days and with four hours left. That is obviously not what you want when you are a rookie trying to turn up in Melbourne and do a good job, but the car at least is reasonable. The base line car.
“I think everything will be ready. In Melbourne, everything will be different – you are in to a race weekend, and everything is going to be ready.
Palmer also teases developments on the RS16 for the opening round, though he won't predict exactly where the French manufacturer will feature for its full return to F1.
“We know that we have got some more coming (for the car) which is exciting, and I am already looking forward to Friday in Melbourne when suddenly we will see 22 cars on track and we will be closer to knowing where everybody is in terms of performance.”
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