In a nciely choreographed piece of timing Mario Muth is back with another in-depth interview, this time it’s F1 royalty with Murray Walker the man in front of the camera. Yesterday, of course, was Murray’s 90th birthday.
The interview goes for almost an hour, at this stage we’re only half way through and already Murray has touched on how he got started in commentary, his relationship with James Hunt and what he really thinks of Murrayisms.
You’ll enjoy this.
Unless I’m very much mistaken today is Murray Walker‘s 90th birthday. And yes I am very much mistaken, because the commentary legend’s birthday was yesterday. But with the time difference between Australia and Europe I’m sure you can forgive us.
When I began following Formula 1 in the mid-1980s Murray Walker’s enthusiasm behind the microphone was definitely part of what attracted me to the category. His faux pas were well known, and indeed well loved.
To celebrate Murray’s birthday there’s a selection of videos to help us remember what makes him so great.
[Pic: Getty Images]
Last week we witnessed the crowning of Formula One’s youngest ever dual world champion. Back in 1991 Ayrton Senna became the sport’s youngest ever triple world champion. The feat was, unsurprisingly, enough to see him gain the F1 trophy at the Autosport Awards handed out in the same year.
With thanks to Autosport we can bring you this great archival footage of Senna being interviewed by commentary legend Murray Walker.
In the light-hearted interview Senna reveals some tense moments he shared with McLaren team boss Ron Dennis during the year after he ran out of petrol two races in a row. More intriguing, however, is hearing Senna explain the unexpected turn of events that led to him giving a souvenir helmet to FISA President Jean-Marie Balestre. You may recall the two men had previously shared a less than cordial relationship.
[Thanks to Tim for the tip]
The BBC’s five-year deal to broadcast F1—which includes rights to TV, radio, internet and mobile (2009-2013 inclusive)—starts with next year’s Australian Grand Prix. Heading the broadcast team will be Jake Humphrey (pictured above left). Race commentary will come from Jonathan Legard, with Martin Brundle continuing his expert comments role. Joining Humphrey to chew the fat before and after each race will be David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan.
Pit lane commentary will be provided by Ted Kravitz (former ITV) and Lee McKenzie.
Murray Walker is back too, although in a special internet only role. He will provide regular observations on BBC’s website
Looks like a good lineup, made all the better by the simple fact that there is no f**king James Allen! F1 fans the world over will be delighted with that news. However, AUSmotive insiders inform us that Eddie Jordan could be just as excitable about the exploits of young Lewis. Let’s hope not.
This is a rare gem of a clip from the 1982 Monaco Grand Prix. Watch the closing laps as iconic commentary duo Murray Walker and James Hunt attempt to keep you up to date with who is winning the race! This should get you in the mood for tonight’s 2008 Monaco Grand Prix.