MotoGP: Italian tax authorities praise Valentino Rossi

Italy’s tax authority has praised Valentino Rossi for his full co-operation in the multi-million pound tax probe that the Yamaha star finally resolved this week.

• Valentino Rossi ends tax saga

A statement issued by the Italian Fiscal Department said a speedy and amicable solution was reached thanks to the 28-year-old offering his full support and co-operation to the investigation.

A statement from Italian Fiscal Department, which followed Valentino Rossi agreeing to pay £26m (35m Euros) said: “Following the assessment made by the Italian Fiscal Department, Valentino Rossi will pay a total of 35 Million Euro for the period 2001/2006.

“The assessment procedure was positively brought to an end thanks to the full cooperation and availability of Valentino and his staff.

“Valentino will pay the agreed figure in 12 quarterly instalments, starting from 19th February, 2008. 

The Italian Fiscal Department thanks Valentino for his cooperation and full support in bringing this issue to a close.”

Valentino Rossi said the conclusion to the problem, which has hung over him since last August, would allow him to concentrate fully on trying to win his first MotoGP world title since 2005.