A method and system for controlling a combustion engine

The method involves determining a change in the combustion temperature rise within an engine (12) based on a change in engine operating parameters e.g. exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate, air fuel ratio, and adjusting the ignition timing of the engine based on the change in combustion temperature rise. Independent claims are included for the following: (a) an ignition timing control system for engine; and (b) a computer storage medium in which the computer program for controlling ignition timing of an engine is recorded.