Steve Plater is now focusing on the BSB Championships

Lincolnshire rider Steve Plater's team was forced out of the Le Mans 24-hour race after just two hours.

Plater's French World Endurance team actually led the race for just under a lap before a clutch problem forced them to retire.

"I was so disappointed to be out of the race after two hours," said Plater.

"Although we had a long way to go we had a commanding lead and would have been on for at least a podium finish if not the win."

Qualifying had gone well for the team as Plater and team mates David Checa and Sebastian Gimbert took second on the grid.

Checa began the race for the team but stalled on the starting grid and was 26th at the end of the first lap.

The positive thing is that we know we can run at the front of the pack Steve Plater

After seven laps Plater took over and quickly moved through the field to finally take the lead.

When the Woodhall Spa-based rider handed over to Gimbert the team led by nearly a lap.

Not long after disaster struck when the clutch exploded leaving Gimbert stranded and out of the race, much to Plater's disappointment.

"The whole team has put so much effort into the weekend of racing and this is a disappointing outcome for all of us," he added.

"But the positive thing is that we know we can run at the front of the pack and we will be determined to continue in the same vein at the Bol d'Or 24-hour race in September where we will be looking for a strong finish."

Plater returns to action with AIM Yamaha at the start of next month when he will ride the R1 Superbike in round three of the British Superbike championships.