Rowan Atkinson, comedian and car collector extraordinaire was released from hospital today with no serious injuries after losing control of his maroon McLaren F1 and crashing into a telephone pole, setting the car alight in the process.

Atkinson apparently walked away from the wreck and sat on the side of the road with another motorist, waiting for emergency services. He has hurt his shoulder but no long term injuries are expected.

The McLaren F1 is the pride of his enormous and secretive car collection, costing over 650 000 Great British Pounds more than a decade ago. He apparently bought it to celebrate the success of the international Mr Bean film.

The car is a bit of a TV star as well, having appeared on the BBC’s Top Gear numerous times over the years. Atkinson himself was recently a guest on Top Gear and defended the car to host Jeremy Clarkson, who has never liked the McLaren. Atkinson said you have to live with the car, he has done over 37 000 miles in the car, more than any other owner presumably.

Atkinson is no stranger to car accidents, he has crashed this car before (although it was minor) and has also crashed a rare 1954 Mercedes Gullwing, a car worth close to a million pounds depending on condition.

Atkinson is also a keen racing driver, and races his 1964 Ford Falcon. He is known to own a new Audi R8, and even a Honda Civic Hybrid for more mundane duties.