A method for the operation of a brake control system for a rail vehicle that includes a brake system that has at least partially one friction brake, includes determining at least one characteristic curve using at least one virtual and/or at least one actual reference braking journey of the rail vehicle, which characteristic curve sets at least one control variable for maintaining at least one performance variable in relation to one another, recording the characteristic curve in the brake control system; and using the characteristic curve functioning as a basis for controlling the brake system of the rail vehicle. Furthermore, a brake control system, a brake system, and a rail vehicle are provided.