James Ellison Tech3 Yamaha MotoGP rider

Ellison's debut season with Tech 3 has been a frustrating one

We've got three races in three weeks now - Malaysia, Australia, and Japan - and I think Malaysia is physically the toughest of the lot.

Not as a test of strength, but because it's so hot and sticky. Every day, like clockwork, there's a thunderstorm.

You have to keep going for intravenous drips to keep your minerals and salts levels up - you need to keep on top of that religiously.

After this humidity, it'll be freezing cold in Australia, then back to red-hot heat in Japan.

This is when people pick up colds and flu coming from air-conditioned rooms to freezing cold and hot conditions, so anything could happen now as the title race is coming down to the last few races.

With five races remaining, five people are still in the hunt for the title, and that's how it should be.

But I can't enjoy it at all, because I know I should be up there with them.

I'm not bothered about the new chassis now, I've got what I've got and I've got to put up with it

I know what I can do, that's the frustrating thing. I've beaten people like Chris Vermuelen before in other classes.

I know that when I've got an equal opportunity and equal machinery to other people in the class, it's in there and I can do it - but this year has been a real struggle.

I got on fine with the 2005 bike but I'm a bit disappointed with what they've done to the balance for 2006.

I explained that and they said "this is how it is, you've got to get on with it".

I've been trying to get on with but I've never been able to ride it as well as the 2005 bike, neither have the others but they've had the chance on something else which has been a big improvement on the 2006 bike, which I haven't.

I'm not bothered about the new chassis now, I've got what I've got and I've got to put up with it.

"This is the first year I've had on a GP bike, I just need another shot"

There's no point moaning, I've been given the chance to ride the bike in the first place it's very disappointing not to be given something I know will improve me.

I haven't a clue where I'm going to be next season, that's part of the problem.

If you know where you're going you've got something to work towards, but it's not so easy to concentrate when your future hangs in the balance.

We're trying our best to stay where we are, because that's what we want, but, just in case, my managers are looking at other options.

They're not speaking to anyone but it takes a lot of pressure off me so I can do the best I can.

This is the first year I've had on a GP bike, I just need another shot and I hope I get it.

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