A method for assisting starting of a motor vehicle by application of engine torque on starting the vehicle. In the method parameters for detection of the starting of the motor vehicle are recorded. A set point for engine management is calculated from a parameter for the driver's command. A torque for assisting the start is determined from the engine management set point. The torque assistance is used on starting the vehicle from zero speed to a non-zero speed and the set point for the engine management is calculated as a function of different values for the moment of inertia of the engine. The change from one first value to a second value is carried out on there being a given difference between the engine management value and the measured value.