Avus

The practice driving track known as Avus (from the initials of the German term Automobil- Verkehrs-und Übungstrasse) in Berlin's Grunewald was the first German car- racing circuit, opened in 1921. It consists of two parallel straight stretches some 9km/5.5mi long running through the Grunewald and ending at Nikolassee. In 1926 the German Grand Prix was held here for the first time.

In 1937 Bernd Rosemeyer established the circuit record of 276.4kmph/171.7 mph. in an Auto Union, and Rudolf Caracciola achieved a maximum speed of 400kmph/250 mph in a Mercedes. Now, the Avus is mainly of importance as the most important exit road from Berlin to the southwest, leading to the Grunewald, the Wannsee and Potsdam. Its notorious northern bend was straightened out in 1967. It is no longer used for international Formula I races, but sports car races are still held here.