Engine control method for protecting an internal combustion engine during reverse rotation

An engine control method for protecting an internal combustion engine during reverse rotation, the internal combustion engine comprising:

• a sensor configured to determine the angular position of the engine, this angular position being defined as being the angular position of the crankshaft of the engine;
• an engine control unit configured to predict, at a first angular position of the engine, the engine speed for a future second angular position of the engine;
• the method comprises, for each cylinder of the engine:
• when the engine reaches a first measurement predetermined angular position, obtaining a first prediction of the engine speed at the next top dead center;
• when the first prediction of the engine speed is above a predetermined upper threshold, executing the next combustion for this cylinder of the engine,
• when the first prediction of the engine speed is below a predetermined lower threshold, inhibiting the next combustion for this cylinder of the engine;
• and
• when the first prediction of the engine speed is between the predetermined lower threshold and the predetermined upper threshold, and the engine reaches a second measurement predetermined angular position which is subsequent to the first measurement predetermined angular position, obtaining a second prediction of the engine speed at said next top dead center.