A disk drive for a disk file includes means for generating a unique reference position profile for moving the actuator for the servo head over the distance to the target track. The route for the actuator is prescribed and a fixed time period for traversing the distance is prescribed. The control signals control the actuator position not the speed of the motor or the attending velocity feedback loop of prior art systems. The resulting operation is a time optimal, incremental positioning mechanism which eliminates torque and friction problems as well as overshoot and settling problems.