Ducati CEO Responds to Sale Rumours Amid Volkswagen Speculation

Claudio Domenicali says Ducati remains financially strong and confirms no discussions are taking place in Borgo Panigale despite ongoing speculation surrounding Volkswagen.

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Speculation surrounding the future ownership of Ducati has resurfaced in recent weeks, but the Italian manufacturer’s CEO, Claudio Domenicali, has moved to reassure fans by stating that the company remains financially healthy and that there are currently no discussions regarding a sale.

The rumours gained momentum during World Ducati Week 2026 at the Misano World Circuit after reports suggested that Ducati’s parent company, Volkswagen Group, could be considering selling some of its assets as part of a broader corporate transformation.

According to previous reports, a Volkswagen AG spokesperson did not directly deny the possibility when questioned by US publication RideApart. Instead, the spokesperson explained that the entire Volkswagen Group, including its brands and subsidiaries, is undergoing a “profound transformation” as the automotive giant adapts to changing market conditions. The response immediately fuelled speculation that Ducati could become one of the brands affected by any future restructuring.

However, speaking to Australian publication MCNews, Domenicali downplayed the rumours and emphasised Ducati’s strong financial position.

“The company is in very good shape. It is also completely self-standing,” said Domenicali. “We do not really need support from the shareholder to make our investment plan for the future, to make the new models. It is a very solid investment plan.”

According to Ducati’s CEO, there are no active talks within the company about selling the brand. He explained that while corporate parent companies always evaluate buying or selling assets based on their shifting needs, no such moves are happening behind the scenes at Borgo Panigale.

“So it is not something that is completely impossible, but actually for the time being, there is nothing going on in Borgo Panigale,’ he said.

Although Domenicali acknowledged that any future decision ultimately rests with Volkswagen as the shareholder, his comments suggest Ducati continues to operate independently with a stable financial foundation and long-term product strategy.

Notably, none of the recent speculation has suggested that Ducati’s highly successful MotoGP programme would be affected. The Bologna-based manufacturer remains the benchmark in premier-class racing, having dominated recent seasons with multiple riders’ and constructors’ titles while continuing to develop one of the strongest racing projects on the grid.

Ducati is also celebrating a landmark year in 2026 as the company marks its 100th anniversary, making the timing of the rumours particularly significant. Despite the speculation, the manufacturer continues to push ahead with new motorcycle development and its global racing programmes.

For now, Ducati’s message is clear: while ownership decisions remain the responsibility of Volkswagen Group, business at Borgo Panigale continues as usual, with no indication that the iconic Italian motorcycle brand is preparing for a sale anytime soon.