MotoGP: Yamaha relief at end of Valentino Rossi's tax saga

Valentino Rossi’s Fiat Yamaha team boss has spoken of his relief that the Italian can focus 100 per cent on regaining the MotoGP world title in 2008.

• Valentino Rossi ends tax saga

Speaking to MCN, following a successful conclusion to Rossi’s multi-million pound tax investigation, Davide Brivio said it had been imperative to reach an agreement before the new season gets underway in the historic Qatar night race on March 9, 2008.

Valentino Rossi finally agreed on a £26m settlement with Italian tax authorities at the end of a six-month investigation, which had gripped Italy since last August.

Davide Brivio said: “We are very pleased and very happy with this.

“He wanted to fix this story before he beginning of the world championship and from our point of view to have a relaxed Valentino, fully concentrated on racing is the best scenario for us.

“This is one important step looking at the new season.”