Kovalainen is, broadly talking, again to the place he was 12 months in the past. Match and wholesome once more, largely recovered from his coronary heart surgical procedure, he can attempt to take the following step ahead in his rallying ambitions.
Final yr he’d taken on a lot of the Finnish championship season whereas additionally clinching the Japanese championship, delivering a steadiness of gravel and asphalt expertise. However given his circuit racing prowess, he’s wanting in the direction of extra occasions on the black stuff in future.
“We’re some occasions for subsequent yr, some rallies maybe in Europe, some Tarmac rallies,” Kovalainen says. “Clearly Tarmac is way simpler for me than gravel. And there’s a good probability that I’ll proceed in Japan. I’ve loved the Japanese championship with Aicello. I feel there’s a chance that we’ll proceed right here. So total, there may be just a few extra occasions than within the final couple of years, maybe. It’s not absolutely determined but.”
This might have been Kovalainen’s calling – his early years watching Kankkunen and Salonen in Group B automobiles indoctrinated him sufficiently. Had karting not come alongside and led to System 1, possibly this might be the top of his rallying profession, fairly than the beginning.
He’s 43 years previous and simply suffered a well being scare. However that’s not going to pose any kind of impediment. Being within the orbit of the world’s best-ever rally drivers has taught him he’s acquired loads of time but to get higher.
“I’ve spoken to some of the previous champions and very often these guys have mentioned that maybe they might have continued their profession for years longer. Whereas I really feel match and properly and I nonetheless have the fervour for it, I feel there’s no cause to not proceed.
“I do know that I gained’t be one other Kalle Rovanperä or Sébastien Ogier, however I’m certain I can enhance and get higher. And that’s additionally an vital a part of the why to maintain doing it. The motivation and the fervour must be there. If I used to be simply doing it for different causes, I feel it wouldn’t be proper. However I undoubtedly nonetheless have a ardour that drives me.”
