ISTANBUL - Poland`s Robert Kubica has a bright future ahead of him according to defending drivers` world champion Fernando Alonso.
Kubica, 21, has replaced former Canadian world champion Jacques Villeneuve at BMW Sauber after being promoted from test and reserve driver.
Alonso said: "Big names are going out and new young people will come in and become big names.
"This is what happens always. We lost Villeneuve, but Kubica came in, who I think is a good driver and probably a star of the future."
Kubica, the first Pole to race in Formula One, secured an impressive seventh place at the Hungarian Grand Prix earlier this month, but was later disqualified for having an underweight car due to excessive tyre wear.
He said: "Of course it would have been nicer to have two points already in the pocket, but anyway mistakes can happen and we got disqualified for being two kilos too light.
"But it has gone. It is in the past and we have to think for the coming races and that is what we are trying to do."
Kubica had little sympathy for the man he replaced at BMW Sauber, though.
He said: "I don`t see a big difference if I replace Villeneuve or someone else. I think Jacques was trying to keep his seat and I was trying to do the best job as possible to show to (team boss) Mario (Theissen) and the people who decide in our team that I can do a good job.
"That is part of the game. Everybody is trying to do the best they can, and this is life - both in F1 and sport generally."
Kubica has yet to be confirmed as Nick Heidfeld partner next season but more impressive showings similar to Hungary, starting this weekend in Istanbul, can only help his cause.