Volkswagen Owns Ducati - Bought for $1.12 Billion

It is now final and official; after months - nee years if you listened to VW fans and their chatter - of rumor and speculation, VW's Audi brand has officially purchased Ducati for the sum of €860 million (US$1.12 billion). Some are arguing over why they did this. One of the articles linked here gets close. Audi wanted Ducati for the same reason VW wanted Bugatti and Lamborghini - prestige, a nameplate to put on the stock and letterhead. And, why not? Really, what kind of idiot would not buy a company on the rocketship rise, as is Ducati, for what is essentially a few days of revenue for VW/Audi? Not this idiot! Check it out and lust after the Panigale (someone needs to tell the Wired author that Ducati has actually named this one; no, not a great name, but a real name) in the photo here.

First tiny blurb: http://tinyurl.com/7s5zloj

Wired piece (far more informative): http://tinyurl.com/cmllp7e

Several Nicky Hayden Stories - MotoGP & Ducati News

First of all, we hear that Hayden is happy about the MotoGP switch to a 1000c.c. displacement. That is expected as the larger machines are better for his style of riding. With the change, we will probably see him climb further up the results charts in 2012 - but, he has already improved significantly on the Ducati over the 2009 season. Whichever way it goes, he is a talented rider who is only getting better.

http://tinyurl.com/ykcq5yh

Next, Hayden was in India to open the second Ducati showroom in the nation. This one is based on a working agreement between Ducati and distributors Precision Motor India Private Limited and Radiant Motorcycles. And, this one is located in Gurgaon.

http://tinyurl.com/yzmhmr7

Before he flew off to India, he stopped by Ducati Corse to have a look at the Desmosedici GP10 for his 2010 MotoGP season.

http://tinyurl.com/ylbmctz

All Ducati Apparel Now Available for Purchase Online - USA

It seems that I have reported on this previously, but I think that was only for the U.K. As the link states, it is now possible to go online and order any Ducati or Ducati Corse apparel you may need or want (let's face it, it is more want than need). So, take the link and learn more - or go buy something and improve this stupid economy!

http://tinyurl.com/y9fasmd

Buy A Ducati in the UK and Get Ducati Corse Gear Free + More!

It is that simple; if you purchase a Ducati 848, 1098 or 1198, you get: Ducati Corse leathers, Arai Chaser helmet with Ducati Corse graphics, Ducati Corse gloves, Puma Desmo V2 boots, Ducati back protector. If you buy a 1098 or 1198, you also receive a FULL-SERVICE Ducati Track Day and a ticket to a World Superbike round - TBD. Amazing! What's holding you back now?

http://tinyurl.com/yjozlrk

Ducati UK Announces New Model Line of Ducati Apparel

This is in addition - though not connected beyond the fact that the new clothes will also be available there - to the opening of the US online store. At the Carole Nash International Motorcycle & Scooter Show at the NEC in the U.K., local distributor, Moto Icon, will be selling the new 2010 line. There are several changes, some new items, and the revamped Ducati Corse range - which every Ducatisti is looking forward to - in the Italian threads. Have a brief look (may be better to check the earlier post on the US online store).

http://tinyurl.com/ylcr8xn

Ducati UK and New Era Motorcycle Club Launch 848 Challenge

This will be a new race series based primarily in the U.K., but also run on two European tracks. Eight rounds in total will make up the series - most with double-header weekends - and four of the circuits in the 848 Challenge will be world championship tracks. All racers will ride essentially identical Ducati 848 motorcycles; only the fairing, tires and exhaust may be modified. In the U.K., you can purchase a 848 from your local dealer and you will be given a Ducati Corse Riding Gear Set worth over £2,000. Check it out! I wish I could enter...

http://tinyurl.com/yc3smtd

The dates and venues have now been announced for the Ducati 848 Challenge - so, get to your Ducati dealer today - if you live in the U.K.

http://tinyurl.com/yfp86te