Barba began his racing career in 2003 in the SpanishFormula Junior 1600 series, taking a single podium and two pole positions to finish the year in 12th place. He stayed in the championship the following year, taking eight podiums, including six race wins to finish runner–up behind current GP2 Series driver Michael Herck.[1]
Formula Three
In 2004, Barba made his debut in the Spanish Formula Three Championship, racing in the rounds at Valencia and Barcelona. The following year, he stepped up to the championship full-time with Campos Racing, competing in the Copa de España class for older generation Dallara chassis. He took nine class podiums, including two class wins, to finish third in the standings, with teammate Arturo Llobell winning the title.[2] In the overall championship standings he finished in 10th place. He also contested two races in the Italian Formula Three Championship for Team Ghinzani. Despite only taking part in two races, he scored enough points to be classified 10th in the final standings.
In 2006 and 2007 he raced in the main class of the series, firstly with Campos Racing before moving on to the TEC Auto team. During this period, he secured 14 podium places, including four race wins, and finished as runner–up to teammate Máximo Cortés in the 2007 season, losing out on the title by just four points.[3]
For 2010, Barba rejoined the series, which is now known as the European F3 Open Championship. Driving for Cedars Motorsport, he won the title at the penultimate round of the season in Jerez.[4]
Barba graduated to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series full-time in 2008, racing for the ItalianDraco Racing squad alongside fellow team newcomer Bertrand Baguette.[6] Although he failed to take a podium place, he finished in the points in nine races and was classified 14th in the championship standings.
Barba remained with the team for the 2009 season,[7] and along with Baguette earned Draco the team championship, with Baguette also winning the driver's championship. Barba ended up ninth overall, recording a best result of two second places, with both coming at the Hungaroring.
In July 2010, Barba made his debut in the GP3 Series at the Hungaroring, replacing the injured Simon Trummer at Jenzer Motorsport.[8] After retiring from the feature race, he recovered to finish 19th in the sprint event.
Auto GP
In March 2011, it was announced that Barba would join the Auto GP championship, racing for his former Formula Three team Campos Racing.[9]