Murray Walker Announces Retirement at the End of 2001

Legendary Formula One commentator, Murray Walker, announced today that he will retire from commentating at the end of the 2001 season.

Walker, 73, has been covering motor racing for over five decades.

"My love for the sport and my privileged place in it is undiminished," Walker said today. "I don't actually want to stop but I've always said I will do so when I'm still ahead with the viewers, rather than wait until there's a general belief that I'm past it. I have a purely gut feeling that now is the time to wind down.

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

Walker is currently commentating with Britain's ITV coverage, alongside ex-F1 driver Martin Brundle. He is renowned for his enthusiastic voice in covering races, alongside humorous mistakes during coverage.

"Murray has had a spectacular career and is a superb professional and a special broadcaster," Brundle said today. "It is typical of the man to handle this situation in 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."

ITV Controller of Sport, Brian Barwick, said today, upon Walker's announcement: "Murray's contribution to Formula One and sports broadcasting has been monumental. He is a man who has the respect and adoration of both viewers and the motor racing community.

"It has been an absolute privilege to work with a man who has been at the pinnacle of his profession for over half a century. Murray's decision to allow his successor to be given the chance to commentate on some races next year is a true measure of the man."

Barwick also added that Walker's successor will only be elected later next year, however revealed that James Allen, who had replaced Murray Walker at the French Grand Prix last year, is one of the strong candidates for the position.

"James Allen picked up the baton at short notice for the French Grand Prix last season and did a great job," Barwick said. "He will get his opportunity next year ahead of, and above and beyond, any other candidate we may wish to consider."