Methods and systems are provided for maintaining a compression ratio of an engine via a brake and while disabling an electric current applied to an actuator of the associated variable compression ratio mechanism. A braking force applied via the brake on a compression ratio control shaft is varied before and during a compression ratio transition to move the control shaft at a desired velocity. Brake torque application is coordinated with motor torque from a VCR actuator and engine torque applied on the control shaft to enable a smooth CR transition.