Already in the planning phase, which began in 1909, the AVUS track was intended to have a dual function. On the one hand, it was conceived as an important part of the West Berlin transport network. On the other hand, as a racetrack, it should inspire large crowds. The layout of the track was actually not ideal for this purpose: two straights, each about nine kilometers long, connected at both ends by two wide bends.
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The track was much better suited for reliability tests than thrilling overtaking duels. Nevertheless, all of Germany looked forward to the first race, which took place on the opening weekend of the 1921 German Auto Show on September 24 at 11 a.m.
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