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Watch the McLaren F1's original record-setting top-speed run

When it was released in the early 1990s, the McLaren F1 was a car so full of superlatives that, even today, few cars come close to matching it. The F1 is arguably the greatest car that was or ever will be built, and it's unlikely we'll ever see another road-going car with as much raw and unfettered power and presence as the F1. The most famous metric of all, the car's official top speed of 240.1 mph, was achieved in 1998, deep in the forests of Germany with a former McLaren driver and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner behind the wheel. McLaren just released previously unseen footage of the run, which took place at the Ehra-Lessien proving ground. Aside from watching a digital speedometer slowly creep up to 391 km/h, the best part is the commentary from driver Andy Wallace. You'll have to watch the video for yourself, but it's wonderful hearing Wallace's mixture of excitement and fear as the car creeps ever fast. Pay particularly close attention to his hands, as even the mighty McLaren can't stay cool and calm at 220-plus mph. The car actually hits 242.9 mph in one run, but records take the average of two runs in opposite directions. The team's excitement can be felt through the screen, but the video leaves you with a twinge of sadness knowing that something so pure, so focused, and so wholly and completely uncompromised will likely never be seen again. Related Video: News Source: YouTube via The DriveImage Credit: McLaren McLaren Coupe Performance Supercars Videos top speed

McLaren has a backup plan in case Alonso leaves

MONZA, Italy (Reuters) - McLaren have backup plans in place should Fernando Alonso leave the team at the end of the Formula One season in November, executive director Zak Brown said on Friday. "Negotiations are ongoing and they are going very well," the American told reporters at the Italian Grand Prix. "But you've got to have a Plan B and C in the event you don't reach an agreement. And we've got those plans." Double world champion Alonso, who is out of contract at the end of the year, is reportedly considering his options after becoming frustrated with Honda's inability to produce a competitive engine. Both the Spaniard and the team have denied, however, that he has told them that he will not stay if the team sticks with the Japanese manufacturer. McLaren's engine options appear to be as limited as Alonso's, however. McLaren's only realistic alternative to Honda is Renault, if Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso free up a supply of the French manufacturer's power units by switching to Honda. The only teams who might be in a position to offer the 36-year-old a seat - notably Williams, Renault or Force India - have either not won a race in years or not at all. Renault F1 bosses were seen entering the McLaren motorhome at Monza on Friday, increasing speculation that a deal was being struck, although Brown made light of the situation. "They have my Lotus 98T engine that I'm waiting for them to rebuild, so I was asking about that," he said. "They do have it, that's a fact." He would not comment on any talks with Honda. Some media reports have indicated that Toro Rosso need a decision this weekend but Brown said that was not the case for McLaren. "Nothing's finalised," he said. "We don't have to make a decision this weekend. I can't speak for Toro Rosso." Brown said the decision would be a sporting one primarily with McLaren, who last won a race in 2012, needing to be back on the podium. He did not rule out Honda raising their game in time for next season. "They're spending more money, so they're doing what it takes to be more competitive. They're doing different stuff now... they've acknowledged they are working with some outside consultants," he said. "We are going to sit down next week with guys that are much smarter on power units than myself and take a view on what we see their plans are and what they've accomplished and then take a view," added Brown (Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by Christian Radnedge) Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party.

Rowan Atkinson selling his McLaren F1 for $12M

Likely most associated in the US with his portrayal as the bumbling Mr. Bean, British comedian Rowan Atkinson has been quite an auto fanatic for years, making several appearances and at least one crash at the Goodwood Revival. When not racing or acting, he's known for driving a dark purple McLaren F1, but the supercar is now up for sale. Atkinson isn't just giving it away, though, with an asking price of 8 million pounds ($12 million). Atkinson bought the iconic McLaren new in 1997 but has crashed it at least twice since then. The first was a low-speed hit with an Austin Metro in 1999, but a shunt in 2011 did much more harm. McLaren Special Operations reportedly estimated the cost to rebuild the F1 at 910,000 pounds, and Atkinson's insurance company paid to have it done, according to the Western Daily Press in the UK. Now, the McLaren is up for sale by broker Taylor and Crawley with 41,000 miles on it, though it's not pictured on the company's website, as of this writing. "Apart from the accidents, I think Rowan has enjoyed every minute with the F1 and I think he will have withdrawal when it is gone," said David Clark, owner of Taylor and Crawley, to the Western Daily Press. The price of Atkinson's F1 is certainly eye watering. One sold in the UK for about $5.6 million in 2012 and a GTR version went for $5.28 million in 2014. Gooding and Company even estimated one at $12-$14 million during the Monterey Car Week.