Speaking to Motorsport.com Ullrich said: "I don't ever remember Audi focusing on qualifying in the past years at all. There is no reason to do that especially.

"Every lap we do will be about race preparation especially after the lack of dry running at the pre-test.

"Our work is clearly defined by concentrating on race preparation."

Aero efficiency boosts Audi

Ullrich also commented on the key improvements for the new-look Audi R18 e-tron quattro, which have been centered around the advanced aerodynamic improvements on the LMP1 car.

"We invested a lot in this area, as we knew the steps we had to make were here in this area," said Ulrich.

"We knew from an early stage we could not go further than the 4MJ class so we worked on making a big advance on the aerodynamic efficiency.

"This was the decision we have taken and so far we are happy with the way it has worked out for us."

Ullrich praises rulebook

Twelve months ago Ullrich and senior technical personnel from Audi were lobbying the FIA and ACO rules makers in order to make the diesel-powered Audi package more competitive.

"Of course earlier in the history of the rule book we and also other competitors too, were pushing for certain things but now there is nothing to change," stated Ullrich.

"I think in general and looking at the first two races, we can see that with the closeness of the fights, in relation to the different concepts, the rulebook, as complicated as it is, is really a good one and I think we can all see that at this stage."