The 1st gear hesitation sounds even more exactly like Mikes car now...it is a starnge problem indeed...
for a while i suspected the gearbox too on mikes car, but after fitting a new FRP box from the clearance FRP stock, that ruled that one out... unless as you suggest, the wiring loom to the gearbox is actually faulty (speed sensor assembly)...
With regards to the handling i'd suggest it may be down to tyres/tracking issues etc... as VERY few places will set up the tracking with the right amount of toe in it... Even the Hunter equipment which is the best going does have the FRP listed but has the correct amount of toe as it's minimum tollarance, so any oporator using that equipment will be setting it up with too much toe..
Your welcome to bring it up to me if you want me to have a look over it.... could refurbish the suspension while your here if you like..?
might be worth ringing round other garages that have worked on FRP's and see what they have done when curing this problem... Ollie at OC Motorsport, Tremona or Alan at Pumabuild.... you'll have to grade how they asnwer the questions as to whether you think they have dealt with it before or trying to get you round for 'diagnostics'..lol
Regards
Chris
FRP453