A method for the closed-loop control of the combustion position in an internal combustion engine with several cylinders, especially in a diesel engine, with at least one engine operating parameter being detected, wherein a cylinder-selective combustion position model which is arithmetic or based on characteristic values is provided which produces a relationship between at least one determined engine operating parameter and the combustion position, and the combustion position is determined on the basis of the determined engine operating parameter by the combustion position model for each cylinder.