What international racing event is central to the plot of Pixar's Cars 2?

The World Grand Prix is the international racing event central to the plot of Pixar's Cars 2.

The fictional competition is organized by Sir Miles Axlerod to promote Allinol, an alternative fuel. It takes place in three major locations: Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London. Lightning McQueen competes for his team while Mater becomes involved in an espionage story after being mistaken for an American secret agent.

The event is loosely structured as a global road race rather than a single traditional oval-track championship. Its locations allow the film to contrast different cityscapes, racing surfaces, and national styles. The Tokyo race begins the competition, followed by the Porto Corsa race in Italy and the final event in London.

The World Grand Prix should not be confused with the Piston Cup, the domestic stock-car-style championship associated with the first Cars film. The Piston Cup remains part of Lightning McQueen's racing history, but Cars 2 expands the series into an international thriller.