A fitting tribute to the late Murray Walker

Formula 1 has paid a fitting and lovely tribute to legendary motorsport commentator Murray Walker who passed away yesterday at 97.

The tributes poured in for the massively popular Walker from the entire motorsport community, and F1 honoured its all-time favourite voice in broadcasting by displaying a banner across Sakhir's track in Bahrain.

A minute of silence was held this morning before the start of the final day of pre-season testing at Sakhir.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.