Grapevine: Jones to join Walker in Qatar

The 1980 champion had originally planned to be part of the series and practiced for the maiden race in Kyalami last November, however was forced to pull out over his neck and back concerns.

But organisers are keen for the Australian to continue to be part of GP Masters and have signed him to join commentating legend Walker in the booth for the race at the Losail International Circuit.

"We're going to get him on the commentating team," GP Masters CEO Scott Poulter told autosport.com.

"He's helped a lot for us to get this underway. I really felt for him in Kyalami where he wanted to race but he had problems with his neck. I know how much he wanted to drive but he is still part of the family and will help us on TV."

Jones has targeted the Silverstone race in August as a potential date when he could make his race debut in the series.