Italy's former MotoGP champ Valentino Rossi looks set to close his tussle with tax authorities with an agreement to pay 20 million euros, instead of the 112 he had been asked for.
The tax office confirmed on Thursday that its officials will meet Rossi and his advisors in the rider's home town of Pesaro on February 12 to tie up the final details of the accord.
Authorities did not deny media reports that Rossi has agreed to pay 20 million euros in order to put the high-profile tax wrangle behind him and concentrate on racing.
''I know that Valentino wants to get to the start of the new championship on March 8 with all these issues resolved,'' said the 28-year-old star's father Graziano.
