Among the Formula One engine valve train parts, the camshaft and rocker arm are subject to severe sliding conditions and constant demands for higher rotating speeds, so it was necessary to increase endurance reliability. Therefore, diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating films that strengthen the surface were developed, the film compositions and hardness balance were optimized, and the coating films were applied. As a result, friction was reduced by a total of approximately 5 kW, and endurance reliability was achieved that enables continuous camshaft use in 4-Race events.
Article of Honda R&D Technical Review F1 Special (The third Era Activities) (260 - 262)