Jari-Matti Latvala, Toyota Gazoo Racing team principal in the WRC, has finally spoken out about his eight-year legal battle with Finnish tax authorities. The former rally driver admitted the process has been incredibly tough and draining. “Eight years have gone into this, and I have paid all the taxes as well as the late-payment interest on top. Now the matter has to be reopened, in a way. Every stage and my entire life over a four-year period are being examined,” he said.
Latvala had originally intended to attend the recent South American rounds in Paraguay and Chile, but cancelled his trip to Paraguay because of difficult flight connections. Deputy team principal Juha Kankkunen handled Latvala’s duties at both rallies. “I had to cancel that trip because the flight connections from there were so difficult and I had to be at Helsinki District Court on the Monday. That put paid to Paraguay,” explained Latvala.
He also revealed that the hearing, initially scheduled for four days, stretched over three separate weeks. “Seven days have been spent on the hearing and there is still one day left, the eighth day, on 21 October. Waiting is hard,” he sighed. With the court proceedings dragging on, Latvala has yet to discuss next year with Toyota.
“Another difficult thing is that the decision probably won’t come until the end of the year. In a way, being left in limbo is perhaps the hardest part of all, having to wait for the decision,” he added. This situation undoubtedly affects his focus in leading the team, though he remains professional.
During the court sessions, Latvala felt he was able to explain and justify the nature of his work. “We have been able to explain and justify clearly what my work involved, why I travelled and why I visited Finland. Since 2020, the tax authority has had a clear rule that travel days count as days in Finland, but that rule did not exist during my time,” he stated.
He added that his case now comes down to interpretation. “We have now gone through many old Supreme Court rulings and interpreted the matter through them. Ultimately, this now comes down to interpretation. It is very difficult to say at this stage which way my case will go,” Latvala said.
Overall, Latvala said the legal process had been extremely difficult. “I can honestly say that I wouldn’t wish anyone else to have to go through something like this. It is such a long and difficult process. But it has happened to me now and there is nothing I can do about it. It is what it is, and I think the most important thing is to see it through honourably to the end,” he concluded.
The uncertainty could impact Toyota's performance in the remainder of the WRC season. However, Latvala is known for his resilience, and he is determined to stay focused on his task of leading the team to success.
Baca Juga
Jari-Matti Latvala buka suara soal pertarungan pajak 8 tahun di pengadilan. Bos Toyota WRC itu akui prosesnya sangat berat dan menunggu keputusan adalah hal tersulit.
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