The present invention relates to a method for managing the drive system of a hybrid vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric machine having an energy storage means, wherein the vehicle has information on the topology of an approaching downward section of road. Said method includes: predicting a power need of the vehicle according to at least one slope degree of said section of road; predicting the mode of operation of the drive system as well, said mode of operation being selected from at least: a freewheel descent, a descent assisted by the drive system, preferably by the electric machine only, a descent braked by energy recovery; and adjusting the energy level in the storage system prior to arrival on the section of road according to said predictions.