Heikki Kovalainen has revealed he's set to undergo open-heart surgery after being diagnosed with ascending aortic aneurysm.
The former F1 driver was set to take part in this year's Japanese Rally Championship with Rally Team AICELLO.
But he was replaced by Katsuhiko Taguchi after a medical examination indicated Kovalainen needed further treatment.
The 42-year-old was diagnosed with an enlarged aorta and he's exploring when is best possible to undergo surgery.
Heikki Kovalainen will undergo open-heart surgery
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“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 said.
"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."
Rally Team AICELLO representative Hironobu Makino added: “When I heard this story from Heikki just before the start of the season, I was extremely shocked.
"Considering Heikki's feelings, who was looking forward to this season's activities more than anyone else, and the concerns of his family, I had no choice but to make the decision.
Heikki Kovalainen drove alongside Lewis Hamilton for two seasons
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“Although there was a period of hesitation, Rally Team AICELLO decided to continue participating in the race in order to fully support Heikki's return, and to deepen his understanding and maturity of the new machine together with Katsuhiko Taguchi.
“We apologise for the great concern this may cause to everyone, but we ask for your understanding and support as we work towards Heikki's recovery and return.''
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Heikki Kovalainen spent seven years racing in F1
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The Finnish racing driver spent seven years racing in F1 and had two years as Lewis Hamilton's team-mate at McLaren between 2007 and 2008.
He went in to Super GT racing and won the Japanese championship in 2016.
Kovalainen then moved into rally driving and also made his Extreme E debut last year for Jenson Button's JBXE team, competing in two rounds.
