In Pixar's Cars 2 (2011), what global racing series does Lightning McQueen enter?

In Pixar's Cars 2 (2011), Lightning McQueen enters the World Grand Prix.

The fictional competition is organized by Sir Miles Axlerod to promote Allinol, an alternative fuel presented as a cleaner energy source. Lightning races in three locations: Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London. The events give the sequel an international structure that differs sharply from the mostly American setting of the first Cars film.

Lightning initially joins because Francesco Bernoulli challenges him publicly, making the series a personal sporting rivalry. Mater travels with him as part of the pit crew, while Mater becomes involved in an international spy operation after being mistaken for an American agent.

The World Grand Prix is not the same championship as the Piston Cup. The Piston Cup is Lightning's domestic racing series in Cars, while the World Grand Prix is a separate event created for Cars 2. That distinction explains why the sequel introduces new tracks and competitors.