I think after all the usual VW projects are done, i.e. refitting factories, r&d, all the usual bits of running the company, they still have something like 9 Billion Euros left each year. As a company, you can only really stockpile so much, so you have to;
a) give it back to the shareholders.
a) use it for growth, spend it on something that should bring more money in each year. Ducati is apparently loosing a small amount each year now, but VW can easily absorb that for a good few years. As long as the plan at the end is a profitable Ducati it'll work out fine.
It's certainly more a business move rather than a technical move. But, it does potentially mean Ducati can get into the VW windtunnels, get access to aero experts, lets not forget they also own Bugatti. They have a wealth of experts on braking, suspension and engine development, so even getting some of those bods to cast an eye over something might help Ducati, not just in GP but on road projects as well.
