P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mitch Evans will start the opening race of the Portland E-Prix from pole position.
Mitch Evans has secured pole position for the Portland E-Prix opening race, keeping his title chances alive by defeating Norman Nato and claiming the three championship points. Both of his title rivals, Nick Cassidy and Pascal Wehrlein, were unexpectedly knocked out in the group stage. Despite reaching the final, Norman Nato will start from P12 due to a 10-place grid penalty. Jake Hughes will now start from the front row alongside pole-sitter Evans, with Robin Frijns in third position. The qualifying session showcased thrilling competition, with Evans overcoming a scare to secure the second-fastest time behind Hughes. In the duels, Evans defeated di Grassi, Hughes triumphed over Mortara, and Frijns advanced past da Costa to reach the semi-finals. Nato emerged victorious over Ticktum to progress to the semi-final stage, where Evans secured a spot in the final by defeating Hughes, setting up a thrilling showdown.
