Honda Legends' stand-in riders Michael Laverty, Ryuichi Kiyonari and Jason O'Halloran have given the team its first World Endurance podium at the Doha Eight-Hour race.

The squad's regular riders weren't able to attend the desert race due to Isle of Man TT commitments but the replacements Russell Benney's Louth team proud.In the top-five from the early stages, the Honda TT Legends climbed as high as second before settling into third position as the race progressed. A late charge from reigning World Champions SERT was repelled to cement a place on the podium as the chequered flag dropped against a backdrop of the Qatar night sky.

"This was my first endurance race and it has given me such an appreciation for what a tough discipline of motorcycle racing it really is. I have enjoyed every minute of it and it is such a good feeling to bring it home on the podium. I felt we were getting stronger and stronger as the race went on, with every minute on the bike, perhaps if it was a 24hr race we would have got even closer to winning it! But in all seriousness this has been a great experience and I just want to say thanks to the team for the opportunity," said Laverty.