On the day that McLaren's 2006 contender - the MP4-21 - makes its track debut, we look at the car's timeline:

First engine design meeting: August 2004
Engine specification first issue: October 2004
Layout work started on MP4-21: April 2005
First design meeting: April 2005
Gearbox simulation: Mid April 2005
Car specification first issue: May 2005
First scheming of gearbox: May 2005
First dyno test for V8 engine: June 2005
Windtunnel work commences: Early July 2005
First drawing for gearbox: July 2005
Datum sheet Issue, final dimensions: August 2005
First track test for V8 engine: September 2005
Gearbox production begun: September 2005
Chassis manufacturing begun: October 2005
Car mock-up ready: Chassis –November 2005
Initial engine –November 2005
Final engine – December 2005
First chassis ready for bonding: December 2005
FIA test on first chassis: December 2005
First car build started: December 2005
First car build finished: January 2006
First track test of MP4-21: 23rd January 2006
Cars depart McLaren Technology Centre for first race: Friday 3rd March 2006