Frijns has been a long-time member of the ABT team outside of Formula E, and makes the switch to their Formula E operation this year - he's immediately feeling relaxed, typically, and back at home.
That said, post-Valencia the Dutchman and the team are well aware there are gremlins to sort ahead of the opener in Mexico on 14 January. But that's true enough of most outfits up and down the grid as they look to get the most out of the all-new Gen3, given the leap in equipment and tech from Gen2 - which drew to a close just a few months ago in Seoul.
"I've known ABT for quite some time. I drove with them in DTM together with Nico (Mueller), so I'm happy to be back with the team - it's one I've loved from day one," says the 31-year-old. "It's like a huge family and I'm happy to be part of it.
"The car is still quite new, so we have those little 'diseases' which we need to try and solve. So, I think at the beginning of the season you'll see people working with and trying to solve and improve their issues. The ones that have their car in order will be the team to beat. We might struggle a bit at the beginning we might struggle a bit given the issues we're having at the moment [as of testing in Valencia]. But, I think half way through the season we will be more sorted and hopefully we can score some good points.
Mueller: 'I've got a point to prove'
Mueller is back after a year out of Formula E, and was the natural choice for ABT given their long and fruitful relationship in German touring cars that's brought home plenty of silverware over the last few years. He agrees with Frijns about the work they've got ahead of them, but is confident that they can bloody some noses in Season 9.
"Obviously, ABT is back as a team and I'm also back after a short break as a driver," says the 30-year-old Swiss driver. "To come back as a group, together with Robin, is exciting and very motivating as the team has such a successful history in the championship.
"I still feel like I've got a point to prove and it's the right time for a comeback with Gen3 starting out in Season 9 and we've picked the ideal timing to return. Talking about goals now is difficult. It's very hard to put a perspective on things and gauge where we're at compared to everybody else - everyone is starting from blank sheet of paper.
"Valencia was the first time we got together on track and we got to see all the other teams and drivers sharing a circuit. We were able to get a bit of a feel for our performance and what it might look like. We have to be realistic, though and there are some very strong, very big teams we're going up against.
"We'll be kind of an underdog but I think if there's a smaller, leaner team that can put pressure on the biggest operations, then it is us. We're going to try and play that role to the maximum extent possible and hopefully make it a success."