Murray Walker returns with Honda

He's back! After a four year absence from the Formula One Paddock, Murray Walker is making a comeback with the Honda Racing F1 Team.

The lure of F1 has finally proved too much for the broadcasting legend, who hung up his microphone for the last time in 2001 when he retired from the ITV-F1 commentary team. Occasional visits to the Paddock reminded him what he was missing and after a well-deserved but brief retirement, he decided he couldn't resist the draw of what promises to be the most exciting F1 season in years.

For 2006, the Honda Racing F1 Team asked 82 year old Murray if he would like to join the team and make a return to the sport he adores in the unique role of team ambassador. As a fully integrated member of the team, he will provide Honda's VIP guests with an insight into the team's progress and entertain them with his inimitable brand of F1 commentary. The much loved star will attend half of the season's 18 Grands Prix and will make his debut in Honda Racing F1 Team colours when the F1 circus returns to Europe in April.

Commenting on his return to the F1 Paddock, Murray said: "I'm naturally delighted to be back because I've missed the fabulous sport of Formula One that I love so much, and what better way to be doing so than with the Honda Racing F1 Team. Their prospects for 2006 are looking very bright indeed, which is great news for their exciting driver line-up of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello."

Nick Fry, Chief Executive Officer of the Honda Racing F1 Team, commented: "We are absolutely thrilled to have Murray on board for the 2006 season. His retirement four years ago was a tremendous loss to F1 and he remains one of the best-loved characters in sport. His unfailing energy and enthusiasm is legendary worldwide and we are delighted to welcome him back to the Paddock."

"2006 looks set to be a very exciting season for the Honda Racing F1 Team on and off the race track. Our marketing focus will be developing the team as a sports and entertainment brand and Murray will make an important contribution to that. If our testing promise translates to the race track as well as we expect it to, then our guests are in for a treat with Murray's high-octane commentary."

-honda-