Murray retires...if he's not very much mistaken!

The 77-year-old gave a highly emotional press conference at ITV's headquarters in London today, where he had to pause several times to regain his composure. He denied that he was retiring for health reasons, but simply that it was time to put down the microphone.

"When I woke up one morning I had this gut feeling that I didn't want to do it any more," he said. "My love for the sport and my privileged place in it is undiminished. I've always said I would stop when I'm still ahead with the viewers, rather than wait until there's a general belief that I'm past it."

Walker will commentate on the majority of the 2001 - including the British, Monaco, Italian and San Marino Grands Prix - alongside former GP racer Martin Brundle.

"I am already immensely looking forward to the start of the new season, which will obviously be gigantically emotional and important for me," he added. "It will give me the opportunity to thank all the people within the Formula 1 world who have supported me all these years."

Murray has missed only one Grand Prix assignment in 51 years - this year's French GP at Magny-Cours, after he dislocated his hip. His place was taken by pit lane reporter James Allen, who is the hot favourite to step into Walker's shoes for 2002.

"James Allen picked up the baton at short notice and did a great job," said ITV Controller of Sport Brian Barwick. "He will get his opportunity next year ahead of, and above and beyond, any other candidate we may wish to consider."

Barwick also gave a background into Walker's decision: "At the end-of-season cup of tea we all have, Murray intimated to me his thinking. When a man of his level of seniority says something like that, you listen to them. When Murray retires from commentating he will still have a place within the ITV presentation team."

"Murray has had a spectacular career and is a superb professional and special broadcaster. It is typical of the man to handle the situation the way he has. It is a privilege to work with him, and my respect and admiration for him I am sure will continue to grow in 2001."

"Murray, a wonderful man and friend, has been synonymous with motor racing and his retirement will be a great loss to the sport, but I sincerely hope that he has a fabulous last year, commentating as enthusiastically as he always does. I implore him to enjoy himself one last time when going around the world commentating on the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1."

"Murray has to be a big reason why so many people watch motor racing. He will definitely be missed, and I send my best wishes for the future. On a personal level, when I look back at the highlights of my career, there will always be those Murray moments which have made them more memorable."

"Murray has been a key part of motorsport and Formula 1 for so many years, and we are all going to miss him. I wish him well in his final season."