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 medical condition that affects the arteries.
As a result of the diagnosis, Kovalainen has halted any motorsport activities.
The Finn had been set to defend his Japanese Rally Championship title, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, alongside co-driver Sae Kitagawa, with whom he won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.
Kovalainen has since offered an update on his condition, confirming that his operation “went well” and is now recovering at home.
“I was diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm at the end of last year,” he said in a social media video.
“It’s a piece of the ascending aorta that has dilated quite a lot. This is obviously the reason why I haven't been able to join in rallies or any other activities over the winter. Over the last few months, I have been going through, with a team of doctors, my options.
Source: Autosport