Sir Jackie Stewart pays tribute to Murray Walker

Sir Jackie Stewart has said “there will never be another Murray Walker” following the death of the legendary Formula One commentator.

The passing of Walker aged 97, whose remarkable broadcasting career spanned more than half a century, was announced on Saturday evening.

Walker’s unique, highoctane style will forever be ingrained in British sporting culture.

He commentated on his first grand prix for the BBC in 1949 before going on to call Ayrton Senna’s intense rivalry with Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell’s 1992 title triumph.

When Damon Hill took the chequered flag at Suzuka to win the Japanese

Grand Prix and become world champion in the early hours of an October morning in 1996, an emotional Walker said: “I have got to stop because I have got a lump in my throat.”

Speaking to the PA news agency, three-time world champion Stewart said: “There will never be another Murray Walker.

“He is one of those people that will be remembered forever and not too many commentators could expect that to happen after their life.

“He was a gentleman of the sport, his command of the English language was huge, so too his excitement and his energy.

“It is a great loss. I spoke to him not that long ago.

“He was in a care home and we had a good conversation. There was no lack of Murray Walker.

“I don’t think many people knew he was not living at his home so I don’t think he had had too many calls.

“I was thrilled to get in contact with him.

“We are all at a certain age where we are seeing friends and colleagues slip away which is very sad, but in the case of Murray, he will never be forgotten.”

At the BBC, Walker was partnered by world champion James Hunt for 13 years before his death in 1993.

The clash of personalities – Walker a consummate professional compared to Hunt’s rather laid-back approach – won over the public.

When Hunt died and Formula One headed to ITV in 1997, Walker, appointed an OBE the previous year for his services to broadcasting and motor racing, teamed up with Martin Brundle, whom he would work alongside for five seasons before his final race at the US Grand Prix in 2001.

On Saturday night Brundle tweeted: “Rest In Peace, Murray Walker. Wonderful man in every respect. National treasure, communication genius, Formula One legend.”

Writing on Twitter, Damon Hill said: “God’s Speed Murray and thanks for so much.

“The Legend will never die.”

FORMULA ONE: Commentator Murray Walker has died.