Method and system for controlledly shutting down and restarting an internal combustion engine

After shutting down an internal combustion engine (1), the crankshaft of the engine is positioned at a crankshaft angle that is favorable for cranking. Prepositioning of the crankshaft angle namely results in a lower first compression torque and therefore increases kinetic energy stored in the crankshaft lumped inertia. The required maximum torque of the cranking aid (2a, 2b, 2c) can therefore be reduced. A locking mechanism (6) may be provided to block the internal combustion engine (1) at an optimal cranking angle.