In late 2010 Mercedes-Benz tuning arm, AMG, entered into a business relationship with Italian motorcycle company Ducati, the most tangible result of which was the Ducati Diavel AMG power cruiser.
When the 'alliance' was mooted in November 2010, the rumour mill went into overdrive - would AMG or Mercedes-Benz buy Ducati?
With Audi's takeover of Ducati announced this week, it put the kybosh on any moves by Affalterbach-based AMG, and the hot haus car maker has now released an official statement announcing the immediate end of cooperation.
"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."
Mercedes-Benz AMG also states that buying Ducati was never on the cards, despite rumours to the contrary.
"The takeover of Ducati was never our aim – our focus lies clearly in developing and producing premium performance cars and we will be concentrating all our energy on this," reads the AMG press statement.
It will be interesting to see if Ducati's new task masters, Audi, can ensure the removal of AMG sponsorship stickers that take pride of place on the noses of the Ducati MotoGP race bikes ridden by Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden.
The AMG MotoGP sponsorship is believed to be a separate agreement so Audi may have to wear that one for the rest of the 2012 season.
And finally, the Ducati Diavel AMG motorcycle that was released in limited numbers could well become the most sought-after Italian bike after the Desmosedici RR. Don't expect to see one in the Audi HQ foyer though…
Carsguide
