Auto Racing: Engine configuration, roller bearings, f1 teams

Question
Hi Steve: Please help my catch up to what the engine builders are doing. I have built and raced two small block 1/4 mile engines in the 80's and early 90's. Then I drifted away. I find my self once again interested in F1 and Indy type. I know they must have done away with push rods, and gone to four valve/cylender. I looked around during the recent Indy and found a term you may be able to paqint for my "numatic valve" I found that one or more of the F1 teams have developed this. I can't find any other info. other than it only infolvs the exhaust side. Are they useing rollerbearings on the crank yet? Please outline the upgreads to include electronics from say 1995. Thanks,Dan P.S please take all the time you need as I know not where els to gain this information.

Answer
Dan-

  Honestly, I don't really follow F1 or Indy cars at all and what I do know I've just stumbled upon while reading.  As far as roller bearings on the crank, I haven't heard anything about that and I think that if they had that some of the tech would've transfered over to Top Fuel and bracket racing cars.  I do know that some teams have experimented with electromagnetic valvetrains...using electromagnets to control the opening and closing events of the valves.  I believe some have even tried using desmodronic valvetrains (more info on these valvetrains can be found by looking up specs for Ducatti bikes...I'm not even sure I can explain it accurately).  I've also noticed a lot of engine builders going farther with destroking engines than they have before...allowing the engines to turn much higher rpms and making it easier to fill the cylinders with air and fuel.  A 3.5L V10 turning 15,000rpm is certainly a wonder to behold.  Aside from that I don't keep up much with those racing classes.  I do, however, think that the next step in engine efficiency will come from spherical rotary valve engine technology.  You can check this out at www.coatesengine.com.  Hope this helps.

Steve