The control uses a sensor system with a rotating disc (10) attached to the engine crankshaft or camshaft. This disc (10) has peripheral segments (11,12) corresponding in number to the number of engine cylinders at least one of which has an associated ramp (16) with a steep descending flank (18). The segments (11,12) and the ramp (16) are detected by a stationary sensor (20) to provide the control signals for the ignition and/or the fuel injection system. Pref. the ascending plane (17) of the ramp (16) lies behind the associated segment (11) in the direction of rotation of the disc (10) with the steep descending flank (18) on its opposite side.
