This race was held on the same day as the 1962 Dutch Grand Prix, and consequently many of the top drivers at that time were not present in Naples. Only the 10 fastest cars in qualifying were allowed to start the race, leaving a number of the more unusual entrants on the sidelines. The two Ferraris were dominant throughout the weekend, with Lorenzo Bandini leading from the start of the race until lap 24, when he was passed by Mairesse, who led until the end. Carlo Abate finished fourth in his first Formula One race, narrowly beaten by Keith Greene.