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Former F1, SUPER GT driver Kovalainen to undergo open-heart surgery
Heikki Kovalainen has decided to postpone his rallying activities due to being diagnosed with ascending aortic aneurysm, a potentially life-threatening condition. Despite feeling well and not experiencing any symptoms, he will undergo open-heart surgery in Finland to address the issue. Kovalainen was set to compete in the Japanese Rally Championship with Rally Team AICELLO this year but will be replaced by Katsuhiko Taguchi for the time being. The team is fully supportive of Kovalainen’s decision and aims for his quick recovery so that he can return to rallying in the future. Kovalainen, a former Formula 1 driver, has been actively competing in Japan and had significant success in SUPER GT and national rallying championships.
