Tonight’s Top Gear episode was dedicated to the memory for commentary great Murray Walker.
The iconic broadcaster’s death was announced on Saturday as the Formula 1 favourite passed away aged 97.
Tributes have flooded in for Murray, known as the voice of the sport in his many years behind the mic.
Top Gear made sure they paid their own respects to the commentator on Sunday’s show, the start of the 30th series.
Presenter Chris Harris asked producers to add in a tribute following the news of his death and there was an acknowledgement at the end of tonight’s programme.
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He told Metro.co.uk : “He was the voice of an entire sport. He was Sunday afternoons, watching my heroes – and I now realise he was as important as the drivers themselves.”
The 1996 F1 champion Damon Hill was one of many within the sport to says his legacy will never die.
The journalist commentated on his first grand prix for the BBC at Silverstone in 1949 and became a full-time F1 commentator in 1978.
“Murray has been with me for my whole life and I don’t think anybody thought this day would come, but sadly it has,” he said.
“Maybe old soldiers never die? His legacy and his memory is so strong, and what he gave to so many Formula 1 fans and number of people he affected, he became bigger than the sport, so we have got a lot to be thankful to Murray for.
“He could emote the events that happened in our sport.
“The shocking moments and the dramatic moments all have Murray’s reaction to them and he made those events stick in your mind forever.
(Image: Getty Images)
“And he allowed himself not to be the know-it-all commentator, but the fan who, at times, got over excited.”
The British Racing Drivers’ Club confirmed the news of Murray’s death in a statement. “It’s with great sadness we share the news of the passing of BRDC Associate Member Murray Walker OBE,” it read.
“A friend, a true motorsport legend, the nation’s favourite commentator and a contagious smile. We thank Murray for all he has done for our community. RIP our friend.”
Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/top-gear-dedicates-tonights-episode-23719095