What racing event is the focus of Pixar's Cars 2?

The World Grand Prix is the racing event at the center of Pixar's Cars 2.

Sir Miles Axlerod creates the World Grand Prix to promote Allinol, an alternative fuel. The international race visits Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London, giving the film a globe-spanning setting unlike the mostly American road journey of the first Cars.

Lightning McQueen enters the competition, while Mater becomes involved in an espionage plot after being mistaken for an American spy. The race storyline and spy adventure run together as the characters uncover a conspiracy involving the fuel and several disgruntled cars.

The World Grand Prix should not be confused with the Piston Cup, the stock-car championship featured in Cars and Cars 3. Cars 2 also introduces several new international racers, including Francesco Bernoulli of Italy.