Kovalainen has been competing with Rally Team Aicello for seven seasons, but their shared journey will come to an end next weekend at Rally Japan.
This year, Kovalainen celebrated his third top-class title in Japan with the team. He has also won a second-class title in 2021.
Kovalainen offered heartfelt thanks to the team and to his co-driver Sae Kitagawa, who has been reading his pacenotes in Japan since 2016.
“I’m truly grateful for the friendship and the experiences I’ve gained – this journey has helped me grow as a person,” Kovalainen said.
“Although my time competing in Japan will come to an end, our partnership with Aicello will continue. We are already preparing new joint projects, and I look forward to sharing the next chapter soon,” he added.
Team Principal Taison Makino had nothing but praise for Kovalainen’s contribution.
“During these seven seasons, we have shared many emotions and learned a great deal together. It is truly bittersweet to see Heikki’s rally activities in Japan come to an end, but we are proud of all that we have achieved together,” Makino said.
“Rally Team Aicello will continue to work with Heikki in the future and support his international projects. We wish Heikki all the best in his future endeavours and sincerely thank him for these seven wonderful and inspiring years.”
Next week, Kovalainen will take part in Rally Japan, aiming for a strong result in the WRC2 class at the wheel of a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. Last year, he retired from the same event on the final day while running fourth in class.
