Heikki Kovalainen is progressing well on his path to recovery after undergoing open-heart surgery. In March, it was revealed that the ex-Formula 1 driver, now 42, had to indefinitely suspend his rally racing activities due to the detection of an enlarged aorta during a routine examination.
He underwent the necessary surgery soon after the discovery.
Subsequently, having taken adequate rest, the former McLaren and Renault driver resumed his role in Formula 1 commentary during the recent weekend of the Chinese Grand Prix.
"The recovery is going very well in every way," Kovalainen shared with Ilta Sanomat newspaper. "But recovery is a long process."
Known for his single 2008 victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix alongside Lewis Hamilton, Kovalainen did not travel to Shanghai nor was he present at Viaplay's remote studios.
"It was nice to be with Viaplay over the weekend," he remarked, "although not actually in front of the cameras yet. But I did feel fit enough to join a few sessions."
"There's still some small challenges with my voice - my throat is a bit irritated and that's why I'm not participating in the studio sessions yet."
"But my health has been good - no pain at all after the operation. In a couple of months, we'll see how the situation looks with the doctors."
