 Three CLRs were entered for Le Mans in 1999 after the team performed nearly 22 @,@ 000 mi ( 35 @,@ 000 km ) of testing . The cars suffered aerodynamic instabilities along the circuit 's long high @-@ speed straight sections . The car of Australian Mark Webber became airborne and crashed in qualifying , requiring it to be rebuilt . Webber and the repaired CLR returned to the track in a final practice session on the morning of the race , but during its first lap around the circuit , the car once again became airborne and landed on its roof . Mercedes withdrew the damaged CLR but chose to continue in the race despite the accidents . The remaining cars were hastily altered and the drivers were given instructions to avoid closely following other cars . 
