Legendary Formula 1 commentator Murray Walker has died.
After covering his first grand prix for the BBC at Silverstone in 1949, the Birmingham-born icon of the sport became a full-time F1 commentator in 1978 before becoming synonymous with F1 through his commentary career - first with the BBC and then ITV.
Described in the sport as being "knowledgeable beyond words” he was fully armed with a passion that would occasionally get the better of him whilst commenting as he brought the sport and some of its greatest moments to life in a way that ensured they remained seared in people’s memories.
Hugely respected in the sport – on both sides of the mic – many (themselves legends) in F1 have been sharing their memories of the effervescent master ‘wordsmith’.
For F1 driver, Martin Brundle – who later became a co-commentator alongside Walker, describe him as a: “wonderful man in every respect. He was a national treasure and a communication genius - a Formula 1 legend."
On social media, 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill said: “Murray has been with me for my whole life and I don't think anybody thought this day would come, but sadly it has,” whilst three-time world champion Sir Jackie Stewart said: "He was a very special man in every respect. I was lucky enough to know him well. He was the perfect gentleman, a man who had great style and great skills with the English language. Murray was the best."
Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan called Walker a "legend. He was so well prepared," added Jordan. "He was very nonchalant about it, he didn't give that impression but he had the knowledge.
"When he was doing the commentary, he had every single angle covered. He was brilliant at it." Walker, who served in a tank regiment during World War Two, was appointed an OBE in 1996 for his services to broadcasting and motor racing.
Survived by his wife of more than 60 years Elizabeth, was 97.
