For some time now I have had an intermittent starting problem. The engine will iwnd over perfectly and fast but it is as if there is no fuel or no spark. After turning the key the fuel pump whirs into action but the car just won't start. If you turn it off, lock the doors, unlock the doors, and try again it might go but it might not either. Normally I turn the key to ON and wait until the computer does all the cheks and everything on the dash settles, but the last two times when it has failed to start I've turned the key ON and then straigh to START and it has fired. Anyone else had or seen this problem?

 

It sounds like your Fuel Pressure Regulator Control may be failing. The regulator provides additional fuel for starting and maintains the fuel pressure.
When the key is turned to on the fuel pump runs for about 5 seconds and then shuts down. This is to provide fuel to start, once running the fuel pump is controlled by the ECU.