Car sounds like it wants to start but doesn't for up to 10 mins

[slove83]

Recently the car (Commodore, Berlina 1999) is having real difficulty starting up right away. Turning the ignition on the car makes the sound of starting up but never manages to complete the process, this can sometimes go on for up to 10 minutes before the car will start. We thought the car was immobilised as the pin from my paddle (key fob) had fallen out but having used al foil to make the connection the problem seemed to be resolved (for a short time). Guy from the RAC has had a look and couldn't find any obvious issues: the battery is brand new and the key paddle has since been replaced.
Any thoughts?
Sean

 

[lout]

was the key remote programmed from code or copied off your old remote
does the red mode light stop flashing when you turn key to red lights on dash
not sure of your description
but turning ignition on do you mean cranking engine
does engine crank until you release key
does engine crank immediately you turn key to start or is there a one second delay