He graduated to French Formula 3 for 1999 and drove for La Filière Elf finishing 4th in the class B series.

[2][3] He returned to Britain in 2000, joining Alan Docking Racing for the British Formula 3 season.

In 2001, he joined British Formula Ford with Haywood Racing and progressed to the Duckhams team for 2002 winning the championship.

In 2003, Barber moved to the United States to compete in Formula Ford 2000 with Cape Motorsports.

He would finish the season in 2nd place, behind future World Endurance Championship victor Mike Conway.