In Pixar's Cars 2, Francesco Bernoulli and Lightning McQueen compete in the World Grand Prix.
The fictional competition is organized by Miles Axlerod, a former oil tycoon who promotes Allinol, an alternative fuel. It consists of races in Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London, giving the film an international setting unlike the primarily American racing world of the first Cars.
McQueen enters after being challenged by Francesco Bernoulli, an Italian Formula-style champion. Mater travels with him and becomes involved in a spy adventure after British agents Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell mistake him for an undercover operative.
The World Grand Prix is also tied to the film's central mystery. Cars using Allinol begin malfunctioning when targeted by a hidden electromagnetic weapon. The competition therefore combines racing with espionage, while still bringing McQueen back to Radiator Springs for the conclusion.