OAKENSHAW ace Enzo Mucci's Alfa Championship hopes have been dealt a major blow by serious engine problems.

After starting the season with a bang at Donington, the Alfa 147 racing engine blew on a testing machine forcing the JS Motorsports team to install a standard road-going unit.

"The difference is unreal - the new engine is so slow," said a disappointed Mucci.

"We have a new engine on order but the suppliers are busy with the Touring Cars so it will take a few weeks."

Mucci travelled to Mallory for the third round but missed qualifying because of an electrical fault and was forced to start last on the grid with a ten second penalty.

Despite climbing from 25th the Oakenshaw driver finished 11th before coming in 4th in the AutoItalia after again starting at the back.

At Brands Hatch the bad luck continued with the new engine blowing after two laps of qualifying because of a build up of pressure, forcing Mucci out of the event.

And with the engine still causing concern the team withdrew from the Snetterton round.

But Mucci was testing on Monday and the team will be back on the track at Croft on Sunday, May 13, with the replacement 147 racing engine expected after that meeting.