Before crashing in Q3 due to a hydraulics issue, Alonso believed he was in genuine contention for a podium finish in Australia last weekend.
On Saturday, Alonso had a reliability issue and crashed out of Q3, claiming afterwards that he had a chance at pole due to his speed.
After a two-year hiatus due to disillusionment with the sport, Alonso returned at the start of last season with Alpine.
He finished 9th in Bahrain to earn a couple of points, and he was pushing to finish in the top six in Saudi Arabia before having to retire.
Alpine had made it clear to its drivers that they would be allowed to race each other, just as they had in Bahrain.
The Dutch F1 champion will become the first since Vettel to choose the number one to defend his title.
The British team already has a deal with Mercedes that allows them to borrow Stoffel Vandoorne or Nyck de Vries when needed.
The Alpine F1 team are optimistic over their new and different Renault power unit for the 2022 Formula 1 season.
Alpine finished fifth in the F1 constructor's championship in 2021 but believe they can push on further this year.
Otmar Szafnauer was appointed Alpine's team principal only recently, having departed Aston Martin at the end of the 2021 season.