The 8 absolutely refuses to start on the first turn of the key.

Crank all you want on the first try, it won't start. If you stop cranking, it immediately starts on the second key turn.

Its been doing this for a couple years, engine has 30,000 miles on it, and compression is good.

I can get the car to start pretty quickly by cranking the engine for half a second and then trying again - and it starts immediately.

Just wondering if anyone has had a similar ghost in the machine.

 

Hmmm... I'd start with a ignition system tune-up if you haven't already.
Perhaps your starter is slowing down? Try comparing it to another rx8 maybe.

Aside from all that, if u just keep it cranking on the first turn of the ignition will it eventually start?
My car even after a engine replacement, starter, and full ignition time-up, it still takes a second or two to fire up.
I always just keep it cranking until it starts, if u stop then go again you can run the risk of flooding.

 

How about if you turn the key on for a few seconds without cranking. Then turn off and try second time with cranking.

 

Possibly too much fuel in the first cranks? Doesn't sound like an electrical issue. Happened on my 8 once and my sparkplugs were soaked with fuel. Perhaps try servicing your injectors?