JV KEEN ON RETURN HOME

The French Canadian, for the ninth time since debuting in 1996, will - despite today living in Switzerland - next weekend race on the grand prix circuit named after his late father, Gilles Villeneuve.

"It's always an incredible week for me," JV, who'll drive a single day for Sauber at the Monza test this week - said.

34-year-old Villeneuve, who referred to a 'new track surface' on the quick Montreal layout, hoped the Canadian grand prix this year would see the use of 'soft' rubber.

He told his website: "This would be an advantage for us." -GMM