Roger won his first race on Suzuki at the season opener in Italy. After retiring in Sittendorf, he was able to regain the lead with further victories and defend it until the end.

In the second half of the season, the strong Maico rider Åke Jonsson emerged as the biggest competitor. Both Suzuki and Maico wanted to win the first world championship title in the premier class. Jonsson had to contend with a loose spark plug right at the start and had to tackle the first race with a considerable deficit. The Maico riders Weil and Bauer were unable to provide any support, and Roger De Coster won this race. Jonsson won the second race, but second place was enough for Roger de Coster to win his first world championship title and, at the same time, Suzuki's first world championship title in the 500cc class.