Sports commentator Murray Walker, the voice of Formula One, dies at the age of 97
- Australian writer Clive James, a fan of F1, once famously described Walker as a man broadcasting as if his trousers were on fire
- Autosport magazine, in 2000, said Walker had ‘done possibly more to popularise motor racing in Britain than anyone else’
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 Walker 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”.