- Racing parts worth €200,000 (approx. $215,000) stolen
- MotoGP and Superbike components affected
- Suspect previously worked as an external employee at the Borgo Panigale plant
The theft of high-value technology is not an isolated incident in professional motorsport. However, it becomes particularly explosive when safety-related and strictly limited racing parts are affected. This is exactly what has now happened at Ducati Corse.
Theft in the racing department
The incident occurred in November at the Borgo Panigale plant in Bologna. Spare parts and accessories for racing motorcycles intended for use in MotoGP and WorldSBK were stolen. The damage is estimated at around €200,000.
Investigations revealed that the suspect is a 37-year-old Romanian citizen living in Bologna. What makes this case particularly sensitive is the fact that the man had previously worked for an external electrical company and had worked at the Ducati factory. This means he is believed to have had detailed knowledge of the processes and access points.
Extensive haul from the world of racing
During a house search carried out on the orders of the Bologna public prosecutor’s office, investigators recovered all of the stolen goods. Among the items seized were numerous Brembo brake calipers, including models for MotoGP use, as well as Öhlins suspension components.
In addition, the officers found watches, racing clothing, gloves, and fan merchandise. Some of the caps were in the colors of Enea Bastianini, who competed for the Ducati factory team in MotoGP in recent years. These comparatively small items are also considered high-value due to their exclusivity.
Investigations by the Carabinieri
The investigations were conducted by the Italian security authorities. The suspect was identified with the help of surveillance cameras. The local unit of the Arma dei Carabinieri in Borgo Panigale was responsible for the investigation.
In an official statement, the Carabinieri said that the man had been charged with aggravated theft and handling stolen goods. The seized material was confiscated and will now be returned to Ducati. It has not been confirmed whether the suspect acted alone or whether other people were involved.
Significance for racing
The incident shows how sought-after and at the same time vulnerable highly specialized racing technology is. Spare parts from the MotoGP and Superbike world are not freely available and have a high material and technical value. Manufacturers are therefore sensitive to security breaches in this area.
Ducati itself has not yet commented publicly on possible consequences or changes to security measures. What is certain, however, is that the damage was limited by securing the parts.
