Ex-F1 driver Kovalainen to undergo open-heart surgery

Former F1 driver and Super GT charger Heikki Kovalainen will undergo open-heart surgery after being diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm, a condition affecting the arteries.

Despite experiencing no symptoms and living a normal life, the Finnish driver has chosen to prioritize his health and temporarily step away from his motorsport activities.

Kovalainen, 42, was poised for a return to the Japanese Rally Championship in 2024 with Rally Team AICELLO, teaming up once again Sae Kitagawa.

However, just before the season opener, Rally Mikana, on February 16th, news emerged of Kovalainen's replacement by Katsuhiko Taguchi.

It transpired during a routine medical exam that the Finn would require a more comprehensive examination into his heart condition.

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The outcome of the latter revealed the ascending aortic aneurysm, a condition characterized by a bulge in the aorta, the artery closest to the heart.

An aneurysm is a localized, abnormal bulging or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel. It occurs when the blood vessel weakens and is unable to withstand the normal blood pressure.

Aneurysms can develop in various arteries throughout the body, but they are most commonly associated with the arteries in the brain and the aorta.

In a team statement, Kovalainen announced his intention to undergo surgery in Finland, aiming for a full recovery and eventual return to the world of rallying.

“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 explained.

"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."

Kovalainen competed in 111 Grands Prix between 2007 and 2013, competing with Renault, McLaren, Lotus and Caterham.

The Finn has a single F1 win to his name, an achievement he enjoyed in Hungary with McLaren in 2008. Overall, he scored 4 podiums and a total of 105 championship points.

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