‘The voice’ of grand prix racing back on the BBC with GP Masters.
After having announced his retirement at the 2001 U.S. Grand Prix, legendary TV commentator Murray Walker today returns to the commentary box with new racing series Grand Prix Masters. The fan’s favourite is gearing up again to say “Go, Go, Go!” when the inaugural Altech Grand Prix Masters South Africa race is launched in Kyalami on 11th – 13th November 2005.
‘The voice’ as he is affectionately known is instantly familiar to millions of viewers around the world and during a historic gathering of Grand Prix Masters drivers at Silverstone today, Murray was emotionally re-acquainted with many of the racers who he so famously commented on during his 53- year reign as the people’s favourite. Nigel Mansell, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ricardo Patrese, Derek Warwick, Andrea de Cesaris, and Patrick Tambay were amongst some of the great names who participated in the two-test session at Silverstone ahead of the inaugural race in two weeks time.
“When I retired in 2001, I vowed never ever to return to the commentary box and I sincerely meant it,” said a delighted Murray. “Nobody made me retire but after 53 years I wanted to walk away with dignity while still being at the top of my game. It was a decision taken with a clear and relaxed conscious and since retiring, I have been on the receiving end of many offers including some from several new motor racing championships. I have had the willpower to say ‘no’ to every offer proposed but my steely resolve melted away when Grand Prix Masters approached me,” added Murray.
“The Masters concept is a tried, tested and extremely successful formula in other sports and it works because it is personality driven. This series is about people and characters, including some of the most famous names ever to grace a motor racing circuit,” added Murray.
“Watching Nigel Mansell and many other heroes climb back into thoroughbred grand prix cars this morning was very moving and surreal. It reinforced just how much I have missed being away and the thought of being at Kyalami in two weeks from now sends shivers down my spine! The Grand Masters series will be a huge success I’m sure and after having seen these drivers and cars in action today, the fans are going to be bowled over by the spectacle that awaits them in two weeks from now. These cars boast over 600 horse power which is way beyond what some of these drivers raced in the early 90s. The series will also travel to some fantastic circuits next year and I am thrilled to bringing the show into people’s living room’s once again,” said Murray.
Former Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell (OBE) expressed his delight by saying, “This means everything to me! During his amazing 53-year reign as ‘the voice’ of Grand Prix racing, Murray achieved tremendous iconic status around the world and this from a man who has never actually raced himself! Murray’s partnership with this series is the ultimate credibility endorsement and I am sure fans around the world will be rejoicing at today’s news. It simply doesn’t get any better than this!”
Grand Prix Masters has successfully concluded a two-day test programme at Silverstone ahead of the Altech Grand Prix Masters race in South Africa on 11th – 13th November.
Drivers in attendance at Silverstone have included Nigel Mansell, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ricardo Patrese, Patrick Tambay, Stefan Johansson, Andrea de Cesaris, Hans-Joachim Stuck, Derrick Warwick, Christian Danner and Alex Caffi.
Due to pressing commitments and preparation for his annual participation in the Andros Trophy, Alain Prost could not attend the Silverstone test and will not contest the first race in South Africa.
With maximum grip and minimum driver aids, the Grand Prix Masters will compete in modern high performance, single seater cars designed with only one goal in mind... to give a total racing experience for drivers and spectators. Driven by a desire to reignite the best of high performance racing, the Grand Prix Masters World Series will recapture the passion and spectacle, the thrill and excitement that ‘pure speed’ has always given millions of fans. Set in some of the most exotic locations around the world this is one series that is going to get serious! The all-new single seater race car has been designed and built by Delta Motorsport (Northamptonshire, UK). Powered by an 80-degree 3.5-litre V8 Nicholson McLaren Cosworth engine, the Grand Prix Masters cars will produce in excess of 600bhp.
Based on the highly successful Cosworth XB Indycar engine, Nicholson McLaren have developed this normally-aspirated version offering more than 600bhp at 10,400rpm while maximum torque is achieved at over 320 lb ft at 7,800rpm. The engine combines compact dimensions, minimum weight, maximum strength and awesome power output. The 650kg cars (excluding driver) will be equipped with a six-speed paddle shift gearbox and at the opening race in Kyalami, drivers are expected to be exposed to corning g-loads of around 2.5g!
Electronic driver aids have been kept to a minimum and a stable aerodynamic platform has been defined in an effort to maximise driver input, involvement and overtaking.
