 Ellison is keen to prove a point after a frustrating debut for Tech 3 |
Yamaha Tech3 rider James Ellison says his season starts for real on Saturday when the MotoGP championship second round takes place in Qatar. Technical problems dashed his chances in the season opener but tests since then have given him cause for optimism.
"We tested the next day and immediately I was lapping two and a half seconds quicker," said the Englishman.
"The bike's changed a lot. Every time I go out I feel more confident. Now I'm really looking forward to Qatar."
Ellison, 26, is the only Briton competing in MotoGP this season, and will be writing a regular column for the BBC Sport website throughout the season.
He earned his chance with Tech3 after impressing in his debut season in the class last year, riding for WCM Blata.
"I had a technical problem during the race at Jerez which prevented me pushing to my full potential," he said.
He tested at Qatar in the winter and is looking forward to returning, having enjoyed his previous experience there.
"I was closer to my team-mate Carlos Checa's times on race tyres than anywhere we have tested," he said.