The former McLaren, Renault, Caterham and Lotus F1 driver announced in March that he would undergo an operation after being diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm, a condition that affects the arteries.
Following the diagnosis, Kovalainen stopped all motorsport activity.
The Finn was expected to defend his title as Japanese rally champion, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, alongside his co-driver Sae Kitagawa, with whom he won two consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023.
Kovalainen has since provided an update on his condition, confirming that his operation “went well” and that he is now recovering at home.
“I was diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm late last year,” he said in a social media video.
“It’s a piece of the ascending aorta that has dilated a lot. This is obviously the reason why I haven’t been able to participate in rallies or other activities this winter. Over the past few months, I have reviewed my options with a team of doctors.
Heikki Kovalainen, Skoda Fabia Evo Rally2
Photo by: McKlein / Motorsport Images
“We decided to have surgery. I had surgery last week at Tampere University Hospital, in the cardiac unit. A wonderful team of doctors, nurses and assistants took care of me. It was open heart surgery, so I have forever marks on my chest. But the operation went well.
“We managed to do exactly what we set out to do. We cut out the diseased part of the ascending aorta and place an artificial graft. Everything went well. It was obviously a big operation. A few days after the operation I felt a little bad, but things have improved a lot since then.
“I’m actually back home and already recovering. The prospects are quite good. There is an opportunity to fully recover and get back to full fitness, but of course, only time will tell how this all plays out. So far the estimate is pretty good, so I’m very happy with it.
“In the meantime, I’m still recovering and hopefully trying to get through it and gradually increase my activities. The main thing is obviously that the thorax bone has time to heal. And once this is all done, if all goes well, I hope I can get back to my normal routine. I hope to see you again soon.
The former McLaren, Renault, Caterham and Lotus F1 driver announced in March that he would undergo an operation after being diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm, a condition that affects the arteries.
Following the diagnosis, Kovalainen stopped all motorsport activity.
The Finn was expected to defend his title as Japanese rally champion, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, alongside his co-driver Sae Kitagawa, with whom he won two consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023.
Kovalainen has since provided an update on his condition, confirming that his operation “went well” and that he is now recovering at home.
“I was diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm late last year,” he said in a social media video.
“It’s a piece of the ascending aorta that has dilated a lot. This is obviously the reason why I haven’t been able to participate in rallies or other activities this winter. Over the past few months, I have reviewed my options with a team of doctors.
Heikki Kovalainen, Skoda Fabia Evo Rally2
Photo by: McKlein / Motorsport Images
“We decided to have surgery. I had surgery last week at Tampere University Hospital, in the cardiac unit. A wonderful team of doctors, nurses and assistants took care of me. It was open heart surgery, so I have forever marks on my chest. But the operation went well.
“We managed to do exactly what we set out to do. We cut out the diseased part of the ascending aorta and place an artificial graft. Everything went well. It was obviously a big operation. A few days after the operation I felt a little bad, but things have improved a lot since then.
“I’m actually back home and already recovering. The prospects are quite good. There is an opportunity to fully recover and get back to full fitness, but of course, only time will tell how this all plays out. So far the estimate is pretty good, so I’m very happy with it.
“In the meantime, I’m still recovering and hopefully trying to get through it and gradually increase my activities. The main thing is obviously that the thorax bone has time to heal. And once this is all done, if all goes well, I hope I can get back to my normal routine. I hope to see you again soon.