Formula One commentator Murray Walker dies at 97

LONDON (AP) - Murray Walker, the voice of Formula One as a commentator on British television with a high-octane style, has died. He was 97.

The British Racing Drivers' Club announced Walker's death on Saturday but did not provide a cause.

Walker's broadcasting career spanned more than 50 years, working for the BBC and ITV before he retired from commentating in 2001.

'œHis passion and love of the sport inspired millions of fans around the world," F1 tweeted. "He will forever be a part of our history, and will be dearly missed.'ť

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 checkered flag at Suzuka to win the Japanese GP and become world champion in the early hours of an October morning in 1996, an emotional Walker said: 'œI have got to stop because I have got a lump in my throat.'ť

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 more relaxed approach - won over the public.

When Hunt died and Formula One headed to ITV in 1997, Walker teamed up with Martin Brundle, whom he would work alongside for five seasons before his final race at the United States GP in 2001.

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

World champion Lewis Hamilton also paid tribute, saying 'œI remember growing up hearing your voice over the races. You made the sport so much more exciting and captivating. The iconic voice of our sport and a great man, thank you for all you did, you will never be forgotten."

Walker's unique style - once described by Australian comic Clive James as 'œsounding like a man whose trousers are on fire'ť - is ingrained in British sporting culture.

But bizarrely it was his mistakes - later nicknamed 'œMurrayisms'ť - which earned him his status as a national treasure.

'œThere is nothing wrong with his car, except that it is on fire!'ť he once proclaimed.

'œI'm ready to stop my startwatch,'ť he said on another occasion, while 'œunless I am very much mistaken - I am very much mistaken'ť later inspired the title of his autobiography.

Walker is survived by his wife Elizabeth.

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