Although Kovalainen is not suffering from any symptoms and can carry on with his day-to-day life without any issues, the Finn has decided against competing in rallying until he has made a full recovery.
Kovalainen was set to return to the Japanese Rally Championship in 2024 with Rally Team AICELLO, which has switched from Skoda machinery to a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 entry this year. The 42-year-old was again due to team up with Sae Kitagawa, the co-driver with which he won back-to-back titles in 2022 and ’23.
But ahead of the opening round of the championship on 16 February, the Rally Mikana, it was announced that Kovalainen will be replaced by Katsuhiko Taguchi in the team’s line-up.
At that time, a simple medical examination had revealed that he needed a thorough investigation.
With all the medical tests now complete, it has been found that Kovalainen is suffering from ascending aortic aneurysm, a bulge in the artery closest to the heart.
An aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel wall and can tear or rupture, causing severe, life-threatening internal bleeding.
In a statement issued by the team, Kovalainen revealed his intention to get a surgery done in Finland before returning to rallying at a later point.
“I was diagnosed with ascending aortic aneurysm in a medical check-up recently and I was told not to be able to participate in rallies due to increased risk of aortic rupture,” he said. “I have no symptoms and I’m currently feeling good, and we are now making a plan on how to solve this issue.
“An open-heart surgery is our favourable solution at the moment and we are preparing for that. We hope to get an operation done and start the recovery as soon as possible.
“My aim is of course to return to the Japanese Rally Championship with Rally Team AICELLO. I was planning to participate in the rallies until the end of January, but after careful consideration with my team of doctors I’ve decided to try and fix this issue instead.
“I’m sorry for all our team partners and fans for this problem and many thanks for all the encouragement and support regarding this.”
Heikki Kovalainen, Sae Kitagawa, Skoda Fabia Rally2
Photo by: McKlein / Motorsport Images
Team representative Hironobu Makino commented: “When I heard this story from Heikki just before the start of the season, I was extremely shocked. Considering Heikki’s feelings, who was looking forward to this season’s activities more than anyone else, and…
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