Villeneuve has struggled in the first two races of the season

"Jacques is having a difficult time so far," said Coulthard, a friend of Villeneuve, in Scotland's Daily Record.

"Two races in and already the media are questioning if he will keep his seat.

"I know he is capable of great things but unless we see a big improvement by Imola it wouldn't surprise me to see him walk away or be encouraged to."

If you were to ask me if Anthony Davidson is the next Schumacher, I would say no David Coulthard

Villeneuve, dropped by BAR in 2003, joined Sauber this season after returning to the sport with Renault at the end of last year.

But the 33-year-old has struggled in his first two races, finishing 13th in Australia, behind team-mate Felipe Massa, before crashing out in Malaysia.

Villeneuve's manager Craig Pollock said the Canadian lacked confidence in his car.

Have Your Say on Five Live Will Villeneuve quit Formula One?

"Jacques does not feel comfortable with the set-up," he told Autosport magazine.

"He lacks mileage and can only show 85% of what he is capable of."

Briton Anthony Davidson, the BAR reserve driver, has been mooted as a possible replacement and his management have approached Sauber already.

Coulthard said: "It would be good to have another Brit in Formula One and he is an able, fast racing driver.