James Ellison Tech3 Yamaha MotoGP rider

Ellison's last race in Assen only lasted four laps

I may have only managed four laps before I crashed last time out at the Dutch Grand Prix at Assen, but I was in 12th place at the time and those four laps showed how much progress I'm making.

Since Catalunya, the team has made some moderations to my old bike and it's really built my confidence.

I was so comfortable doing those lap times and for the first time this year I was looking at where I could get past my team-mate Carlos Checa.

The team were all happy with my performance as they could see I was trying 100% - I've not been able to do that before because I've not felt so confident on the bike.

After I crashed, there was nothing I could do about it, so I just joined my sponsors in the crowd to watch the end of the race and let them know I was all right. My approach is that if something goes wrong, don't sulk about it, deal with it.

Every time I go in the garage now, I'm desperate to get out on the bike, which is how I always feel when I'm doing well.

We're not setting the world on fire, but we're moving in the right direction

Now I've come up with the goods, hopefully a decent result at Donington will see me get a new frame.

The team management were so much happier after last week. We have meetings with Yamaha every day about the bike data. They tell me where I'm struggling and, every time I go out, I improve.

We're not setting the world on fire, but we're moving in the right direction.

Next up is Donington, the British Grand Prix. Because it's the home race, there's loads of energy from the fans, and it's up to you to use it positively, or turn it into pressure.

I don't think 'all these people are watching, I've got to do this or that', I think 'all these people are watching - wouldn't it be cool if I could get on the podium?'.

Valentino Rossi won at a rain-soaked Donington last year

The feedback I've had from fans has been fantastic. I've not had a single negative comment.

At Assen, in particular, it was clear I was going as hard as I could, so people are giving me so much support. I want everyone to know I'm giving 100% for Britain.

I've been a fan at Donington, so as a rider I know what it's like to be on the other side.

I've got 25 paddock passes for friends and family this weekend, and I've love to be able to get some more.

A few years ago that was me out in the campsite, so now I like to be able to give them a taste of what it's like for me.

James Ellison is writing a regular column for this website throughout the MotoGP season