Plater took a decisive victory for Yamaha Austria (YART) to secure the runner up spot in the world championship.

Team manager Mandy Kainz gave instructions to go for a good result and bring the bike home safely to consolidate the team's second place in the championships and Plater was given the honour of starting the race for the final outing of the season.

He moved into second place on the first lap and took the lead on lap three, battling throughout with Matthew Lagrive (SERT), Jakub Scmertz (Maco Moto) and Glen Richards (Phase One).

A dramatic few laps followed, resulting in a crash for Richards. Plater was very lucky to avoid hitting him and decided not to risk the same fate and sensibly opted to settle into a rhythm and maintain third place.

More drama was to come when Lagrive crashed, which put Plater up to second place by the end of the first session as he handed over the bike to Steve Martin. The team then decided to push for the win and entered into a race-long battle for position with team Maco Moto who were also contesting the runner up spot in the championship.

The battle continued throughout, with the lead changing hands between the two teams on many occasions. But with 90 minutes remaining YART began to pull away and built up a substantial lead, which they held to the chequered flag.

Plater said: "I started the race and then rode the final hour to finish it as well. It is awesome to end my season on the top step of the podium.

"Apart from Suzuka, I have led every World Endurance race this year but until now have missed out on the win. This weekend more than makes up for that and it is an excellent end to a very productive season for me."