Abstract: In a valve timing control for an engine having an electronic throttle control system, the response of a valve timing control mechanism is estimated by operating condition of the engine. In addition to controlling a relative rotation angle of the VVT, a throttle correction gain for correcting the opening angle of a throttle valve so as to be adapted to the response of the VVT is calculated. The throttle valve is controlled by the calculated gain. When the response of the VVT is slow, the opening angle of the throttle valve is corrected on the basis of the response. Thus, a rapid engine acceleration is suppressed, thereby preventing occurrence of misfire.