Which fictional international race is central to the plot of Pixar’s Cars 2?

The World Grand Prix is the fictional international race central to the plot of Pixar’s Cars 2.

The event is organized by former oil magnate Miles Axlerod to promote Allinol, an alternative fuel. Lightning McQueen agrees to compete, and the race takes the teams to Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London.

Cars 2 uses the World Grand Prix as the public sporting event surrounding its spy storyline. Mater is drawn into the secret investigation after spies believe he has information about a conspiracy targeting the race and its competitors.

The World Grand Prix should not be confused with the Piston Cup, the domestic stock-car championship featured in the first film. It is also unrelated to the real-world Formula One World Championship, despite its international format and glamorous locations.