In Pixar's Cars 2, which international racing series forms the film's central competition?

The World Grand Prix forms the central competition in Pixar's Cars 2.

The World Grand Prix is a three-race international event organized by Sir Miles Axlerod. Its purpose is to promote Allinol, a supposedly clean alternative fuel. Lightning McQueen enters the competition after being challenged by Italian racer Francesco Bernoulli, while Mater becomes involved in an espionage plot involving the fuel and a group of disguised conspirators.

The races take place in Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London. These locations give Cars 2 a broader setting than the first film, which focuses mainly on Radiator Springs and the American Southwest. The storyline combines international racing with spy-film elements, including secret agents Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell.

The World Grand Prix should not be confused with the Piston Cup, which is the domestic stock-car championship associated with Lightning's career. Cars 2 uses the Grand Prix as its main sporting framework, while the Piston Cup remains part of the characters' background.