Which city hosts the opening race in Pixar’s Cars 2?

Tokyo hosts the opening race in Pixar’s Cars 2.

The film begins in Japan, where Lightning McQueen enters the first event of the World Grand Prix. The race takes place in Tokyo and introduces the international competition that sends Lightning and Mater to several locations. Tokyo’s neon skyline, elevated roads, and dense urban setting give the sequel a markedly different atmosphere from Radiator Springs.

The World Grand Prix continues in Porto Corsa, Italy, and concludes in London, England. These locations allow the movie to combine racing with its spy-adventure plot, as Mater becomes involved in an international investigation involving secret agents and a dangerous fuel conspiracy.

Tokyo is sometimes confused with the other World Grand Prix venues because all three races are heavily featured. It is specifically the first host city, while Porto Corsa is the second and London is the final setting.