The path is sought in the temperature–density plane that allows desired plasma burning conditions to be reached in the shortest possible time. This task is undertaken using the tools of classical variational analysis. The derived expression of Euler's equation is found to be degenerate. Ways to overcome such an impasse are examined, and eventually the solution is obtained. Illustrative applications to the OMITRON proposed ignition experiment are presented, which make reference to the Lackner–Gottardi and ITER-P89 scalings for the energy confinement time.