Comedian and actor Rowan Atkinson is recovering after crashing his McLaren F1 sports car on a road in Peterborough last Thursday evening.

The sports car burst into flames, moments after the comedy star had managed to escape from the vehicle. An ambulance police and fire engine were then called to the scene, with the Mr Bean star being taken to a nearby hospital where he was kept in overnight and treated for a broken collar bone.

It’s been reported that the actor lost control of the maroon coloured sports car and careered into signpost before smashing into a tree. The rear end of the vehicle sustained considerable damage, however a spokesperson for the 56-year-old said Rowan would not want the sports car to be written off and would try to have it repaired. It’s been suggested that the McLaren sports car will be taken to the car maker’s headquarters in Woking where the expert team will attempt to salvage the vehicle.

The screenwriter and TV star was believed to have been driving home to Northamptonshire from London after working on his upcoming film, Johnny English Reborn.

The McLaren F1 car is one of only 65 models made between 1993-1998. The car can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.2 seconds, is capable of reaching top speeds of 240mph, and would have cost in the region of £600,000 when purchased new.

However this isn’t the first time the comedian has been involved in an accident with the powerful sports car, shortly after purchasing the vehicle in 1999 the actor crashed the car in Lancashire. The front of the sports car was seriously damaged following that smash.

The official line from Rowan Atkinson’s agent, Mr Bennett-Jones, is that the actor is “shaken but not stirred” following the accident.