AVUS, which stands for Automobil-Verkehrs- und Übungsstraße (Automobile Traffic and Training Road), was a high-speed oval circuit located in Berlin, Germany. The circuit was known for its unique layout and historic significance, and it played a significant role in the development of motorsports in Europe.
AVUS was first opened in 1921, and it was originally used as a testing and training ground for automobiles. However, it quickly became known for its high-speed oval circuit, which featured banked curves and long straights that allowed drivers to reach incredible speeds.
Over the years, AVUS played host to a variety of racing events, including Grand Prix races, sports car races, and motorcycle races. The circuit became known for its challenging layout and exciting racing, and it attracted some of the top racers from around the world.
In the 1950s, the popularity of AVUS began to decline, and the circuit was eventually closed in 1998. Today, the site is still visited by motorsports enthusiasts who come to explore the remnants of the historic circuit and pay tribute to its legacy.
AVUS was a 9.3-kilometer long circuit that featured a high-speed oval section and a complex infield section. The oval section of the track was known as the Nordkurve and the Südkurve, and it featured steeply banked curves that allowed drivers to reach incredible speeds.
The infield section of the track included a variety of challenging corners, including a tight hairpin at Turn 4 and a fast chicane at Turn 7. The track also included several long straights, which allowed drivers to reach high speeds and make passing maneuvers.
One of the standout features of AVUS was its location. The circuit was situated in the heart of Berlin, with beautiful views of the surrounding cityscape. The track also included several elevation changes, which added to the challenge and excitement of racing.
AVUS played host to a variety of racing events over the years, including Grand Prix races, sports car races, and motorcycle races. The circuit was known for its challenging layout and exciting racing, and it attracted some of the top racers from around the world.
One of the most famous events at AVUS was the German Grand Prix, which was held at the circuit 12 times between 1926 and 1959. The German Grand Prix attracted some of the top Grand Prix drivers from around the world, and it helped to establish AVUS as one of the top motorsports venues in Europe.
Safety was a top priority at AVUS, and the facility included a variety of safety features to ensure that all racers and spectators were protected. The high-speed oval section of the track featured high-quality safety barriers and catch fencing, as well as a medical center staffed with trained professionals.
In addition, the track had a team of experienced marshals and officials who monitored the racing events and ensured that all rules and regulations were followed. The facility also adhered to strict noise and environmental regulations to minimize the impact of racing on the surrounding area.
Today, AVUS is no longer in operation as a motorsports facility. However, the site is still visited by motorsports enthusiasts who come to explore the remnants of the historic circuit and pay tribute to its legacy.
Visitors can explore the circuit by foot, taking in the beautiful natural surroundings and imagining the thrill of racing on the challenging layout. The site is also home to a museum dedicated to the history of AVUS, with exhibits showcasing the many races and racers who made the circuit famous.