Last year’s Japanese rally champion, Kovalainen, told Finnish newspaper Iltalehti that he decided to have a thorough fitness examination with a doctor after the season ended. The diagnosis has put Kovalainen’s career on hold. He has been advised against doing any strenuous physical exercise since the check-up.
“It’s a hereditary condition, and there’s nothing I can do about it. It’s good that it was detected now. Usually, this problem is asymptomatic, except for the first time. And that’s then the last,” Kovalainen told Iltalehti, referring to the risk of the aorta rupturing.
Kovalainen is facing major surgery, as the plan is to treat the aortic enlargement with open-heart surgery. According to Kovalainen, the operation carries a risk of “the very worst,” but the surgery has to be performed at some point regardless.
Recovery from the surgery will take months, so at this stage, the former F1 driver’s rally career is on ice. However, a return to the racing wheel may still be possible.
“This health concern is frustrating because big things were planned for this season. I was supposed to defend my title in Japan with the new Yaris WRC2 car. In addition, I was scheduled to participate in some European Championship and World Championship tarmac rallies.”
“The odds are in my favour. If it turns out that despite the operation, I can’t continue racing, then so be it. I’ve had my fair share of racing,” said Kovalainen, whose primary goal now is to return to normal life.
