A method of operation for an internal combustion engine (1) whose output power can be controlled by means of a controlling parameter (T), in which an engine characteristic curve (11, 12) which, at a value of the controlling parameter (T) which corresponds to a maximum output power, specifies the output power (P) as a function of the engine's speed of revolution (ω), has an ascending part (12) at low speeds of revolution and a descending part (11) at high speeds of revolution, is characterized in that if, when the engine (1) is operating, the speed of revolution (ω) exceeds a first upper limiting value (ωmax,0) at the value of the controlling parameter which corresponds to the maximum output power, a first value (T1(ω)) of the controlling parameter (T) is set which corresponds to a reduced output power.