Murray Walker, the voice of Formula One, dies at 97

FILE PHOTO: Motor Racing - Formula One F1 - Orange Arrows Press Conference to Promote Orange New Formula 1 Service - 15/2/02 Ex Commentator Murray Walker poses for the camera's on and F1 racing car Mandatory Credit: Action Images/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) - Murray Walker, the infectiously excitable television commentator who became the voice of Formula One for generations around the English-speaking world, died on Saturday at the age of 97.

The news was announced by the Silverstone-based British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), of which he was an associate member.

"A friend, a true motorsport legend, the nation's favourite commentator and a contagious smile. We thank Murray for all he has done for our community," it said.

Walker's 'Murrayisms' -- wide of the mark predictions which stood out like crashed gears and the squeal of rubber -- entertained BBC and ITV viewers in the days before pay TV and a fragmented audience.

Australian writer Clive James, a fan of the sport, once famously described him as a man broadcasting as if his trousers were on fire.

Autosport magazine, in a tribute when he announced his retirement in 2000, said Walker had "done possibly more to popularise motor racing in Britain than anyone else. (James) Hunt, (Nigel) Mansell and (Damon) Hill included".

Those champions also forged close bonds with the commentator.

"Unless I'm very much mistaken... and yes I am very much mistaken," was classic Walker. The first part became the title of his 2002 autobiography.

"And now excuse me while I interrupt myself", "The first four cars are both on the same tyres", "Tambay's hopes, which were absolutely nil before, are absolutely zero now" are utterances still savoured.

"I imagine that the conditions in those cars today are totally unimaginable" and "There's nothing wrong with the car except it's on fire" also stood out.

Walker, who started out in advertising, was also an enthusiast of the sport who could draw on personal memories going back to the birth of the F1 world championship in 1950.

"Everyone inside F1 loves him. And that is because he loves the sport. His enthusiasm is so real," the late team owner Ken Tyrrell once said of his compatriot.

Walker was immersed in motor racing from his earliest years as the son of motorcycle champion Graham Walker and gave his first commentary at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb in 1948.

"Rest in Peace Murray Walker. Wonderful man in every respect. National treasure, communication genius, Formula One legend," said Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle.

(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Toby Davis)

-- © Copyright Reuters 2021-03-14

 

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RIP to THE voice of motorsport (not just F1) ???? 

One of many, many Murrayisms:-

" don't want to tempt fate but Damon Hill is now only half a lap from his first Grand Prix win and… and HE'S SLOWING DOWN, DAMON HILL IS SLOWING DOWN… HE'S... HE'S STOPPED!"

 

Very sad. A genuine British national treasure who never lost his enthusiasm for all forms of motorsport.

R.I.P Murray.

 

26 minutes ago, Crossy said:

RIP to THE voice of motorsport (not just F1) ????

Exactly.  He was a major fan of all motorsport, both 4 wheels and 2, particularly the Isle of Man TT, which his father, Graham Walker, regularly competed in from 1920 - 1934, including a win in the lightweight TT in 1931, before becoming a BBC motor racing commentator after the war. 

Murray began racing bikes himself, but "wasn't good enough" by his own  standards, so joined his father at the BBC instead:

RIP.

 

"Opal Fruits - made to make your mouth water"

Timeless prose genius.

We shall not see his like again.

 

 

Simply the best,loved listening to him.

He could be wonderful and infuriating all at the same time.

Chequered flag mate. Thanks for the memories. 

The team of Murray Walker and James Hunt reunited at last.

Here is a clip from their last commentary together.

 

And its GO GO  GONE. Sorry.

Legendary commentator. Not many great commentators in sports but he sure was. Rip.

RIP Muddly Talker as he was affectionately known, you will be missed sir ????

Another legend from my youth passes away, so sad to hear. I would also mention that the Queen of the Nurburgring, Sabine Schmitz has just passed away. She became known to the British public through the Top Gear show, but she was far more than that. Over 30,000 laps of the ring and so full of life, character and cheeky humour. Another cancer victim. RIP both of you.

7 hours ago, planemad said:

<snip>

I would also mention that the Queen of the Nurburgring, Sabine Schmitz has just passed away

A sad week for motor sport.