Melbourne businessman Ron Walker, a prominent political and motorsport figure in Australia, has passed away at 78.

Walker was instrumental in helping Melbourne secure the hosting rights for the Australian Grand Prix in 1993 following the event's 11-year presence at Adelaide.

A close ally and friend of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, the lanky Aussie retired as Chairman of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation in 2015, after a tireless 22-year stint at the helm of the popular event.