The previous FIM Cup was upgraded to the official world championship. Suzuki moved the young Gaston Rahier from the 250cc class to the smaller class and provided him with an outstanding machine in the form of the RM125. Zündapp, which had dominated the competition up to that point, had two very strong riders in Andre Malherbe and Gilbert de Rover, but its air-cooled engine was no longer up to date technically.

Suzuki had been preparing intensively with Gaston Rahier for over a year. He gained sufficient World Championship experience in the 250cc class. In numerous test sessions in Japan, he developed the RA 125 into the outstanding machine that would dominate this class in its early years.

Zündapp, which had dominated the competition so far, had two very strong riders in Andre Malherbe and Gilbert de Rover. But they had underestimated the competition from the Japanese. Until then, as a large European mass manufacturer, they had been dealing with rather small European competitors. The focus was also clearly on off-road racing.

Malherbe breaks his leg and has to sit out the 4 GP. He had four second places to his name up to that point.

Sugio only rides for Yamaha in the overseas GPs in the USA and Canada. But that's enough for 8th place in the World Championship final standings.

SWM is the only Italian manufacturer attempting to compete for most of the season in the World Championship. Walter Brissoni scores points in seven GPs. Finishing ninth overall is a respectable start in this class.

Lolli and Simonini only compete in the Spanish Grand Prix. Two fifth places and fourth place overall show the enormous potential that exists here.