Mr. Bean wrecks his McLaren

[shmike]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44030794...d_news-europe/

LONDON — British actor Rowan Atkinson, famed for his "Mr. Bean" television shows and films, is recovering in a hospital after crashing his $1 million supercar, according to reports.

The 56-year-old comedian, also known for the "Blackadder" historical comedy shows, was expected to be discharged on Friday after treatment for a shoulder injury, the Daily Mirror reported.

Atkinson was driving his McLaren F1 supercar — one of the world's fastest road cars, the newspaper said. The F1 has a top speed of 230 miles per hour.

Atkinson's spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment.

Police and firefighters said that a vehicle crashed late Thursday close to Haddon, a village about 85 miles north of London.

The car struck a tree, a lamppost and caught on fire, authorities said.

"Crews brought the fire under control by 8:13 p.m. They made the vehicle safe and used one hose reel to put out the fire," a spokeswoman for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service told The Telegraph.

"There was one casualty but he was not trapped," the newspaper quoted her as saying.

Top Gear appearance
Atkinson is known for his love of fast cars. He recently appeared on the British car show Top Gear, where he recorded the fastest lap time in the program's Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment, The Telegraph reported.

According to the Daily Mirror, Atkinson also owns vintage and classic cars, including Aston Martins and Rolls Royces, and has written articles for car magazines.

The Mirror said that Atkinson's McLaren F1 was one of only about 65 in existence.