Audi announced yesterday that it is acquiring the Italian sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., which has its registered office in Bologna, Italy.
Ducati is known worldwide as a leading brand in motorcycle manufacture. Ducati was founded by Adriano and Marcello Ducati in Bologna in 1926. Known originally as Societa Scientifica Radiobrevetti Ducati, it initially built parts for radios. Ducati ventured into the manufacture of motorcycles in 1949.
This industry leader has been actively involved in motorcycle racing for decades through its racing division Ducati Corse. Its racing activities are currently focused on the Ducati official factory team in the MotoGP class of the Motorcycle World Championship and in the Superbike World Championship, supporting competitive private teams. Ducati won the manufacturers’ championship in this latter class 17 times in 21 championships and the pilots’ 14 times.
