'Voice of Formula One' Murray Walker dies aged 97


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Murray Walker, the voice of Formula One, has died aged 97.

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

The British Racing Drivers' Club 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."

Formula One 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."

Former England footballer Gary Linekar said he was a “true broadcasting great”.

“Saddened to hear that Murray Walker has passed away,” he tweeted.

“A true broadcasting great and very much the voice of Formula1 for decades. The chequered flag may have been waved for the final time but he’ll always be remembered. RIP Murray.”

Williams Racing also joined the tributes.

“We are truly saddened to hear of Murray Walker’s passing,” Williams Racing team tweeted.

“Murray was the voice of F1 for so many, and provided unforgettable commentary on many of this team’s most iconic moments.

“His passion for the sport was infectious, and never failed to make people smile.”

THE BIO

Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979

Education: UAE University, Al Ain

Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6

Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma

Favourite book: Science and geology

Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC

Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.

Nepotism is the name of the game

Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad. 

ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

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There are 139,018 global trace requests that have not been resolved yet, 55,672 of these are in the Middle East region.

 

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The total figure for the entire world was 654,000 in 2018.