The former world champion sustained an injury after being involved in an accident during the German GP last Sunday.

"Jacques has informed us that he is not ready to race after his Hockenheim accident", BMW sport director Mario Theissen was quoted on FIA official website.

Villeneuve, however, did not specify the details of the injury.

The absence of the 35-year-old veteran will open the door for Polish driver Robert Kubica to make his debut in the Formula 1 Constructors' Championship.

"Robert has made an outstanding impression with the team so far, both in testing and on the Friday of the race weekends.

"Now we will see how he performs in a Formula One race", Theissen added.

The BMW Sauber team lies in the sixth place in the constructors' championship with 20 points.