Former Formula 1 commentator Murray Walker has passed away at the age of 97.
Walker’s broadcasting career began in 1948 at the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb.
He covered an array of motorsports, from touring cars to truck racing to rallycross.
Walker commentated on his first grand prix race for the BBC at Silverstone in 1949.
He then became the BBC’s full-time Formula 1 commentator from 1978 and carried out this role until 2001.
His final commentary was the United States Grand Prix.
Paying tribute to him, Stuart Pringle, Silverstone managing director said
"He was to so many of us fans of F1 the voice that epitomised the sport we love.
"Knowledgeable beyond words and with a passion that occasionally got the better of him in commentary.
He brought the sport and some of its greatest moments to life in a way that ensured they remained seared in our memories for ever."
We are immensely sad to hear that Murray Walker has passed away
His passion and love of the sport inspired millions of fans around the world
He will forever be a part of our history, and will be dearly missed pic.twitter.com/cMwLjjqxAj
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 13, 2021
In an official Formula 1 statement on Saturday evening, they passed on condolences to his family and said they were "immensely sad to hear that Murray Walker has passed away.
"His passion and love of the sport inspired millions of fans around the world.
"He will forever be a part of our history, and will be dearly missed."
