Kubica: no concerns about Villeneuve

Villeneuve quit Formula One on the eve of last year's Hungarian Grand Prix because BMW wanted him to step aside while they evaluated their then test driver Kubica in a race situation.

Kubica ultimately took the seat permanently, finishing seventh on his debut before being disqualified for an underweight car, and then taking his first podium finish at Monza in his third Grand Prix.

This weekend will mark his first racing appearance in Montreal, but Kubica said he had no concerns.

"I'm really happy that it happened," Kubica told the Montreal Gazette newspaper.

"I won't cry because I took Jacques's seat. I think it's life and it happens sometimes."

He said he had enjoyed a good relationship with Villeneuve when they were teammates.

"I worked with him and for him," said Kubica. "I was trying, during Friday tests, to help him as much as I could, as much as possible."

The Pole dominated Friday practice at last year's Canadian GP - going fastest by 1.9 seconds in the opening session - and is confident of another good weekend this season.

"It's one of my favourite tracks after driving there as a test driver last year," Kubica said.

"I felt quite good and comfortable on it during Friday free practice.

"I think our car can perform very well there because of the lower downforce configuration of the track. I'm looking forward to it for sure."