John Surtees, the 1958 350cc and 500cc World Champion.Tarquinio Provini (pictured in 1959), the 1958 250cc World Champion.Carlo Ubbiali (pictured in 1956), the 1958 125cc World Champion.
At the end of the 1957 season, Gilera, Mondial, Moto Guzzi and MV Agusta announced a multilateral withdrawal from GP racing, due to economic reasons and rising public pressure due to the large amount of fatal motorsport accidents occurring in Italy during the previous years.[1] MV Agusta reverted their decision several days later. This situation left reigning 500cc champion Libero Liberati and reigning 250cc champion Cecil Sandford without rides for 1958.[2][3]
A major technical change for 1958 was the ban of dustbin fairings - streamlined bodywork that covered front wheels - in all classes. They were used by most entrants by the end of 1957, including privateers. As of 2023, the rule is still in place in MotoGP.[4]
Points were awarded to the top six finishers in each race. Only the four best races counted in 125cc, 250cc, 350cc and 500cc championships, while in the Sidecars the three best results were counted.