In Pixar’s Cars 2, what is the name of the Italian racer competing in the World Grand Prix?

Francesco Bernoulli is the Italian racer competing in the World Grand Prix in Pixar’s Cars 2.

Francesco is Lightning McQueen’s principal on-track rival during the World Grand Prix. He is a sleek red open-wheel race car who comes from Italy and boasts about his speed, victories, and popularity. His confidence creates a competitive rivalry with Lightning before the international race series begins.

The character is voiced by John Turturro. Francesco’s design draws on the appearance of modern formula-style racing cars, distinguishing him from the stock-car-inspired Lightning and many of the film’s other vehicles. He competes in the races held in Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London.

Francesco is sometimes confused with other international racers such as Max Schnell of Germany or Raoul ÇaRoule of France. Those cars also enter the World Grand Prix, but Francesco is specifically the Italian competitor and Lightning’s most prominent racing opponent in Cars 2.