A control method for a powertrain in a vehicle, said powertrain comprising an engine mechanically connected to a gearbox and an Electronic Control Unit, hereinafter abbreviated as ECU, wherein said method comprises the steps of: • Set a first general limit for the allowed engine output torque • Set a predefined gear shift strategy by the ECU to be followed by the gearbox wherein shift points for gear shifts in the gear box are defined depending on at least engine speed • Perform a calculation of an expected engine output torque demand as a result of a gear shift according to the predefined gear shift strategy • Perform a first torque comparison of the expected engine output torque demand with the first general limit for the allowed output torque from the engine • Perform a gear shift according to said predefined gear shift strategy if the first torque comparison indicates that the expected engine output torque is below the first general limit for the allowed engine output torque, characterized in that said control method further comprising the feature of allowing an extraordinary gear shift in spite of the first torque comparison indicating an expected engine output torque demand above the first general limit for the allowed output torque associated with the extraordinary gear shift provided that: • A second torque comparison indicates that the expected engine output torque demand after the extraordinary gear shift is within the limits of a, compared to the first general limit for the allowed engine output torque, second temporarily increased allowed engine output torque limit, and • an extraordinary gear shift criteria is fulfilled indicating a gear shift is allowed said criteria being dependent on at least one parameter chosen among estimated fuel efficiency, engine efficiency, expected future torque demand, time of running the engine above the first general limit for the allowed engine output torque and engine temperature. • Set a first general limit for the allowed engine output torque • Set a predefined gear shift strategy by the ECU to be followed by the gearbox wherein shift points for gear shifts in the gear box are defined depending on at least engine speed • Perform a calculation of an expected engine output torque demand as a result of a gear shift according to the predefined gear shift strategy • Perform a first torque comparison of the expected engine output torque demand with the first general limit for the allowed output torque from the engine • Perform a gear shift according to said predefined gear shift strategy if the first torque comparison indicates that the expected engine output torque is below the first general limit for the allowed engine output torque, • A second torque comparison indicates that the expected engine output torque demand after the extraordinary gear shift is within the limits of a, compared to the first general limit for the allowed engine output torque, second temporarily increased allowed engine output torque limit, and • an extraordinary gear shift criteria is fulfilled indicating a gear shift is allowed said criteria being dependent on at least one parameter chosen among estimated fuel efficiency, engine efficiency, expected future torque demand, time of running the engine above the first general limit for the allowed engine output torque and engine temperature.