Formula 2 championship leader Nicholas Latifi is chomping at the bit to drive the Williams during Practice 1 in Canada on Friday.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve won't be a completely new experience for the man from Toronto, having driven for Force India in the same session last year.

However, there might be a lot more attention on this appearance based on his early performance in F2 and speculation linking him to the seat of Robert Kubica.

"I’m really excited to take part in my first FP1 session with the [Williams] team," he said.

"The fact that it’s at my home GP will definitely add an extra bit of excitement but nonetheless the goal still remains the same.

"I want to do a good job for the team and give them the feedback they need to guide them going into FP2.

"I feel really well prepared after the three days of in-season testing I have had, along with all the work I have conducted at the factory this year, I can’t wait to hit the track!"

Senior race engineer Dave Robson also confirmed Latifi will be replacing the Pole for FP1.

"Nicholas will be involved fully in our race preparations, and alongside George will conduct some important testing of new components during FP1," he explained.

"For FP2 onwards Robert will return to the track and refamiliarise himself with the circuit which played host to his maiden Formula One victory in 2008."