Control of an engine without manifold

The invention relates to a method for controlling a star-free winding collector (A, B, C), comprising the steps of: applying a periodically interrupted supply voltage between first (A) and second (B) windings; detecting the presence of a current (IC) in the third winding and a moment of cessation of the current; monitoring the value of the fcem induced in the third winding and detecting a zero crossing point (zc) of the fcem; counting a predetermined delay (T / x) from the detected zero crossing point; and after expiration of the delay, apply the supply voltage to other windings.