Craig, the latest actor to portray author Ian Fleming's super spy, was a spectator -- and likely won't be in any of the bareback horse race footage shot by 14 strategically placed cameras -- the Italian news agency ANSA reported Thursday. The race is expected to be incorporated into action sequences tol be shot later.

Siena Mayor Maurizio Cenni said the integrity of Thursday's running would be maintained.

"We have imposed extremely rigid restrictions on the production, and there will be no crossover between the race and the action scenes," he told ANSA prior to the race. "This will allow us to check the contents and editing afterward, intervening if necessary."

While the plot is a closely guarded secret, Italian media reports indicated the Palio will serve as a backdrop to a scene in which Bond chases the villain across Siena's rooftops.

The picture is expected to be released in fall 2008.