Tom Boardman, Onyx Engineering and Proteam Racing are enduring a very tough weekend at Monza, as the team continues to experience gearbox problems which are preventing the Ford Focus ST from showing its potential.

“We think we have found the problem,” said Boardman to TouringCarTimes. “Unfortunately the gearbox is the very same as the production Focus, and some plastic parts are just not fit for racing. We have replaced the wiring and we hope that this will allow us to run the car properly and be closer to the field.”

The Brit says the car has a huge potential, but the gearbox issue is completely stopping the development: “The engine and the chassis feel just spot on, but without the gearbox we cannot show how good it can be – and make changes to develop the Focus.”

Boardman obviously did not set any goals for the weekend, except trying to get a proper run in the Ford, while confirming the gearbox will be changed after Monza: “The goal is to be closer to the field in qualifying, because at the moment it is frustrating, all I could do was enjoying the ride on the fantastic Monza circuit, but it has been difficult. Hopefully we solved the problem, but the car clearly needs a true racing sequential gearbox.”

Qualifying will start at 15.00 local time.