FROM Stirling Moss to Michael Schumacher, Murray Walker's career as a Formula 1 commentator has spanned all the champions.

His sheer enthusiasm for the sport and his legendary slip-ups made him as much if not more of a star than the drivers.

With a motorcycle TT champion for a father, Walker was introduced to motor racing from an early age and attended his first race at just two years old.

After active service in the Second World War, he became an advertising executive, handling the accounts of blue-chip firms such as Mars, Esso and the Co-op.

His debut as a sports commentator came in 1949, when he covered the British GP at Silverstone for BBC Radio, standing in for his father. He has since spent more than 50 years commentating on motor racing and in particular F1, initially for the BBC before moving over to ITV in 1997.

His fast-paced and passionate commentary kept viewers on the edge of their seats - sometimes just to hear one of his mistakes or Murrayisms.' Classic examples included, "With half the race gone, there's half the race still to go!" as well as, "Prost can see Mansell in his earphones!" and, "Two laps to go and then the action will begin. Unless this is the action, which it is."Walker's retirement in 2001 was met with dismay from fans and those involved in the sport. But he couldn't keep away from the track for long.

At 83 Walker still does commentating work and is Honda's ambassador on the F1 racing circuit.

He now lives with his wife near Fordingbridge.

Name: Murray Walker Occupation: Sports commentator Date of Birth: October 10, 1923 local link: Lives near Fordingbridge,