11th June, 1995 On a flight returning from the Canadian Grand Prix, Ford bosses ask three times World Champion Jackie Stewart if he would consider setting up a Formula One team. Having already had great success with Paul Stewart Racing, both Jackie and his son Paul are keen to expand into other areas of motor racing, but the idea of a move to Formula 1 would have been unthinkable without the support of a major motor manufacturer.

6th December, 1995 Further talks with Ford take place and the decision to set up Stewart Grand Prix is approved. Expansion of the factory at Milton Keynes is begun.

19th December, 1995 Alan Jenkins joins the team as technical director. Having already served with McLaren, Onyx and Arrows, he has the experience Stewart need for their new project.

11th January, 1996 The first recruitment advert for Stewart Grand Prix appears in Autosport. By the 15th, the response is already impressive.

4th March, 1996 Design on the new car begins. Stewart Grand Prix are the first team to be set up from scratch with total computer aided design capability.

13th May, 1996 Discussions begin with Jan Magnussen about driving for the team. Having won the British Formula 3 Championship in 1994 with PSR, Magnussen is already considered as having great potential. In 1994 he beat Ayrton Senna's record of victories in one season.

1st July, 1996 A 50 per cent model of the new car is tested for the first time in the Swift wind tunnel in San Clemente, California.

24th August, 1996 Talks take place at the Belgian Grand Prix with Rubens Barrichello about driving for the team.

17th September, 1996 The team sign a deal worth £25 million over five years with HSBC Holdings.

18th September, 1996 Jackie and Paul meet with Damon Hill and his lawyer Michael Breen in Dublin. They want Hill in the team but realise their chances are slim, as Jordan are favourite to sign the prospective World Champion.

3rd October, 1996 Jan Magnussen is the team's first confirmed driver for the 1997 season after agreeing a four-year deal.

22nd October, 1996 Rubens Barrichello signs a three-year deal with the team.

27th November, 1996 A sponsorship deal with the Malaysian tourist board is announced. The cars will carry the Malaysian flag alongside the Racing Stewart tartan.

10th December, 1996 The SF-1 is unveiled at a launch ceremony in London.