From 2000, the development teams involved in Honda’s Formula One engine development program worked as one in development efforts focused on the achievement of increased power through increased engine speed. As part of these efforts, the configuration of the valvetrain was reexamined from the bottom up, and new mechanisms were developed.To enable the realization of high speed and high lift in the valvetrain, a finger follower system was employed as the valve drive method in place of a bucket tappet system. In addition, the application of a measurement method applying Bezier curves to the acceleration of the valve lift curves and the optimization of the gear train reduced fluctuations in the angular velocity of the camshafts and enhanced valve motion.Furthermore, it was necessary to reduce the excessive friction due to increased engine speed. In response to this, pneumatic valve return system was advanced by reexamining the configuration of the cylinder heads. The development of electronically-controlled regulator system also contributed to reducing friction.
Article of Honda R&D Technical Review F1 Special (The third Era Activities) (64 - 71)