A method for managing an engine for which segment tasks are initiated at a moment referred to as “segment”, in order to determine setpoint values which must be available before a predetermined angular time, having the following steps: a) executing a segment task; b) determining the difference between the angular starting time for application of the setpoints and the position corresponding to the availability of the setpoint values; c) comparing the difference determined in step b) with a lower difference value and a greater difference value; and d) modifying the segment if the difference determined in step b) is not between the lower and greater difference values, the position of the segment being advanced if the difference determined in b) is less than the lower difference value and the position of the segment being delayed if the difference determined in b) is greater than the greater difference value.