This year, Formula 1 drivers will once again visit 24 circuits across all continents, with the exception of Africa. In the series ‘Forgotten Circuits’, we take a trip down memory lane and revisit some forgotten Formula 1 circuits. Today, we focus on AVUS, the track with only two turns where Jos Verstappen once triumphed.
The Automobil-Verkehrs- und Übungs-Straße, or AVUS for short, in Berlin is known as the oldest highway in Europe. And until 1998, it also served as a racing circuit. It was a typical high-speed track with two long straights and two turns.
Construction of the AVUS began in 1913 at the initiative of Emperor Wilhelm II, who wanted to stimulate the German auto industry. After completion – post World War I – the asphalt strip served as a toll road during the week, while on weekends it could be used for racing. The first race took place in 1921. Five years later, the first German Grand Prix was held, which was won by Rudolf Caracciola for Mercedes-Benz.
Fatal Accident the Day Before the F1 Race
There was one official Formula 1 race held at AVUS. That was in 1959. The day before the race, a fatal accident occurred. During a sports car race in the supporting program, Frenchman Jean Behra flew over the top edge of the Nordkurve in his Porsche. He came to a halt against the remnants of an anti-aircraft gun from World War II. A day later, British Ferrari driver Tony Brook won the Formula 1 race. Five years earlier, there had also been an unofficial Formula 1 race, but it no longer counted towards the world championship.Read also: Forgotten circuits: Adelaide, the place where Ayrton Senna claimed his last victory
The steep Nordkurve was demolished in 1967 because it was deemed too dangerous. In 1992, the track was further modified and shortened (to 2.369 km). The old turn on the other side, the Südkurve, essentially disappeared and in the new situation was nothing more than an opening in the guardrails. A chicane was built for the northern loop.
Jos Verstappen Triumphed in F3 Race at AVUS
There was also Dutch success at AVUS. From 1984 to 1995, the DTM circus (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) made its annual appearance, along with the German Formula 3 Championship. In 1993, Jos Verstappen won the Formula 3 race, thereby securing the championship.
In 1998, AVUS was closed after years of discussions due to the (too) high risks. The new Lausitzring – completed in 2000 – has essentially taken over the function of AVUS since then. Today, AVUS is part of the Bundesautobahn 115, which connects Berlin with Potsdam. The old race tower still stands and serves as a hotel.
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