‘ Voice of Formula One’dies aged
97
Murray Walker, the voice of Formula One, has died aged 97, the British Racing Drivers’ Club has said.
Walker, whose broadcasting career spanned more than 50 years, worked for the BBC and ITV, before he retired from commentating in 2001.
The BRDC said in a statement: “It’s with great sadness we share the news of the passing of BRDC Associate Member Murray Walker OBE.
“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. RIP our friend.”
Martin Brundle, who commentated alongside Walker in the final years of his career, led the tributes on social media.
Writing on Twitter, Brundle said: “Rest In Peace, Murray Walker.
“Wonderful man in every respect. National treasure, communication genius, Formula One legend.”
F1 tweeted: “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.”
Walker’s unique, high-octane style is forever ingrained in British sporting culture.
Walker 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 emotionalwalker cried: “I have to stop because I have got a lump in my throat.”
Wayne Pivac accepts that Wales will face “a massive challenge” when they go for the Guinness Six Nations title and Grand Slam against France in Paris next Saturday.
The unbeaten tournament leaders reeled off a third successive bonus-point victory to increase pressure on their rivals for silverware by crushing Italy 48-7 in Rome.
And Pivac’s team now head to the French capital knowing that a sixth Six Nations crown and fifth Grand Slam will be secured if they topple Les Bleus.
“We need to improve, and we are looking to improve each week,” Wales head coach Pivac said. “They (France) are going to be a different proposition. We will review our performance, preview them and we know we are in for a massive game.
“The two previous games (against France in the last 12 months), we have been on the receiving end of the result and we are in for a massive challenge.”
Italy’s 31st Six Nations defeat in a row saw them predictably offer little resistance at Stadio Olimpico as Wales tore them apart.
Hooker Ken Owens led the way with a try double, while wing Josh Adams and No 8 Taulupe Faletau also touched down during a dominant first-half display.
Centre George North added his 43rd Wales try early in the second period, equalling Shane Williams’ Wales record of 22 Six Nations touchdowns, and there were also scores for fly-half substitute Callum Sheedy and wing Louis Rees-zammit.there as well.