When controlled variable in a variable valve event and lift mechanism is made to be a predetermined value, requested closing timing at which a target air amount can be obtained and requested opening timing at which a target residual gas rate can be obtained are calculated, and the controlled variable is changed in stepwise until an absolute value of a deviation between a requested operating angle at the requested closing timing and the requested opening timing, and an operating angle corresponding to the controlled variable, reaches a predetermined value or less, so that the controlled variable of the time when the absolute value of the deviation reaches the predetermined value or less is set to a desired value.