Method for the production of an initial rubber composition, in the course of which the following steps are carried out in succession: A—a rubber matrix, reinforcing fillers, and other components if required, with the exception of the cross-linking system, are introduced into a mixing means of the internal mixer type, comprising a mixing chamber in which there are mounted rotors which are driven in rotation and have radial projections forming a gap (e) between themselves and the vessel, B—said components are mixed in the chamber until a uniform mixture is obtained, care being taken to ensure that the temperature of the mixture remains at or below 170° C., after which C—the rotation speed of the rotors is adjusted so as to bring the rubber composition to a dropping temperature in the range from 180° C. to 240° C., in a time of less than 600 seconds, and preferably less than 400 seconds, and D—when the dropping temperature has been reached, the initial rubber composition is removed from the internal mixer and the temperature of said composition is brought below 140° C. in less than 5 minutes.