Ducati Monster Motorcycles in Nevada, page #35

Moto blog

Schwantz Headlines 2012 Isle of Man TT Parade Lap

Former 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz headlines a star-studded group of racers taking part in a parade lap during the 2012 Isle of Man TT. Schwantz leads the group of six racers, past and present, selected by helmet-maker Arai to take part in the parade lap of the Isle of Man’s Mountain Course. Schwantz has visited the Isle of Man before, but this will mark his first closed lap of the circuit.

WSBK 2012: Assen Results

The Netherlands hosted a dramatic weekend of World Superbike racing that featured a red-flagged wet race, several riders crashing while leading, a first-time race winner, a photo finish between two teammates and the reigning World Champion finishing out of the points because of a poor choice of tires. The 2011 WSBK Champion Carlos Checa arrived at Assen with the lead in the championship and a three-race winning streak, but opting to run wet tires in Race Two cost him the lead and may have contributed to a crash that severely injured Liberty Racing‘s Brett McCormick. Race One Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Casey Stoner's trick kart

The other day Casey Stoner tweeted this shot of this factory looking kart, which the reigning champion has been customising during the MotoGP downtime between Qatar and Jerez. Stoner became hooked on karting after taking part in the ice-race at the Ducati/Ferrari Vrooom event in 2009, beating F1 driver Felipe Massa in the process. Not only a hobby, Casey uses karting for training, as the Australian says there are physical benefits as well as to his reflexes.

Collector’s Item: Ducati Diavel AMG, the Mercedes-badged Audi

As expected, Mercedes-Benz’s performance division AMG announced it is cutting ties with Ducati following the motorcycle manufacturer’s acquisition by rival car-maker Audi. AMG released a brief statement saying, explaining the split and saying it we never in the running to purchase Ducati: “Since the end of 2010 a successful marketing cooperation has existed between AMG and Ducati. The company takeover by a rival car manufacturer has understandably resulted in the end of any further collaboration.

Audi Officially Announces Ducati Purchase

Audi has officially announced it has acquired Ducati Motor Holding from Investindustrial. Terms of the deal were not announced, though they should be made available April 19 at the annual stockholders meeting for Audi’s parent company, the Volkswagen Group. Previous reports have the price pegged at 860 million euros (US$1.1 billion).

Report: Ducati Sold to Audi for US$1.13 Billion

Reuters is reporting Audi has reached a deal with Investindustrial to acquire Ducati for a price of 860 million euros (US$1.13 billion). Citing two unnamed sources familiar with the deal, Reuters reports the purchase price includes Ducati‘s debts, estimated by one of those sources at below 200 million euros (US$262.6 million). As previously reported, the deal will be officially announced April 18, ahead of the annual shareholders meeting for Audi’s parent company, the Volkswagen Group.

Rossi’s 2012 Qatar Qualifying Lampooned in Popular YouTube Hitler ‘Downfall’ Video – Video

The now very popular Hitler Downfall YouTube video used so often as a template to poke funny at any number of pop-culture subjects has been employeed as a zinger on Valentino Rossi’s performance during qualifying for the Qatar round of MotoGP 2012. “Hitler’s” plans, near the video’s end, to resurrect the Ducati name via scooter production is priceless. Enjoy!

Audi-Ducati Discussions No Longer Exclusive

Audi‘s window for exclusive negotiation rights with Ducati has closed, but the German automaker is still expected to announce the acquisition of the Italian motorcycle brand this week. Volkswagen-owned Audi had exclusive rights to discuss acquiring Ducati until April 15, and though other suitors may now begin negotiations, Audi remains the front-runner. Last week, Reuters reported a deal could be announced as soon as April 18, the day before the Volkswagen Group’s annual shareholder meeting.

Ducati North America Reports Growth in Q1 2012

Ducati‘s largest market continues to grow, with the Italian manufacturer announcing its seventh consecutive quarter of sales increases in North America. The first quarter of 2012 saw a 10.2% increase in sales. Ducati North America also reported a 98% increase in apparel and accessories sales over the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

Report: Audi-Ducati Announcement May Come Next Week

The Volkswagen Group‘s courtship of Ducati may come to an end next week with Audi formally announcing its purchase of the Italian manufacturer as soon as April 18. That’s the day before the annual shareholders’ meeting for the Volkswagen Group, Audi’s parent company. Reuters reports Audi has completed its assessment of Ducati and found no hiccups that would curtail a buyout.