World renowned comedian and star of TV and film, Rowan Atkinson, hit the blazingly hot Brands Hatch Indy circuit today to enhance his track driving skills with Club MSV.
The Mr Bean comic, a keen petrol-head, was driving a machine somewhat more powerful than his famous green Mini. He took time out of his day for a quick chat with MSV and reminisce on his Brands Hatch racing memories.
“I’m looking forward to going back out again” he quipped. “I’m just doing a bit of driver training which I haven’t done for 30 years so I’ll be curious to see how that goes, but I’m here just to brush up on what few skills I have!
“I’ve been here a few times. I used to race here; I’ve raced at Brands four or five times I suppose. I remember coming off at the first corner on the first lap in a Renault 5 Turbo in the late 80s when we were filming a documentary so I’ve got a bit of a chequered history here! Then later I remember racing a V8 Aston in the wet which was scary. So I’ve been here a few times but it’s been a while since I was last round here.
“I think my most memorable moments are in the Renault 5 Turbo in which I did at least two races here I think and then in a V8 Zagato and I think I did another race in a DB2 Aston Le Mans Car, but this is all 10 or more years ago so I’d like to come back. I think the Indy circuit at Brands is as good a circuit as they come-it’s such fun!”
Rowan though was frank about watching racing, and admits that he prefers to be on track than off it.
“I don’t really keep up with the racing as I’m someone who prefers to participate than watch; I’m not a good watcher of motor racing! I go to the Grand Prix occasionally but other than that I find it a bit frustrating because you’re never quite where you want to be as it’s just so much fun to be out there!”